We look forward to seeing members from around the state at the WBA Annual Conference in Newport in July. Please see the conference information and registration form in this issue. This is the time when we can all get together in one place and enjoy the speakers, the field trips, and the good fellowship that characterize the Washington Butterfly Association.

With such a state-wide membership, the Board recognizes that a Seattle area bias comes with officers, board members, board meetings and monthly membership program meetings all in Seattle. Although most of our field trips are in the more butterfly-rich east side of the Cascade crest, it’s more difficult for people from those areas to sign up for the field trips. Admittedly, it is a big state and the practicalities of logistics certainly apply limits. We want to do what we can to make more of what WBA offers available to members state-wide. Do you have experience with organizations with officers and board members in different parts of the state, sharing programs, making participation in field trips easier? Is there something you would like us to do that would make your membership in WBA more rewarding? Please share your thoughts with me via email or just talk to me at the Conference, on steps we might take to make membership more enjoyable and fulfilling for you. I look forward to seeing you in Newport!

G’num2011Vol12No2

Richard Youel

WBA Founding Member, Past Board President and Secretary, and Field Trip Leader