A flurry of activity has been going on since the AZH annual conference and I wanted to update everyone on some exciting changes. First, the AZH Communications Committee in conjunction with the AZH board of directors has initiated a new format for our traditional newsletter. In an effort to maintain a fresh and professional standard of communication, we will publish articles in a blog format on the AZH website. This will replace the bimonthly publication that you are accustomed to receiving via e-mail. These articles can still be printed to share with staff but will require you to log in to the members area to view updates on projects, new exhibits, IPM, and conservation articles. This blog will be updated quarterly with content that has been submitted by individuals and committees. Our hope is that this new format will encourage AZH members to submit more content for publication. Anyone can submit a short blurb or article no matter the size or scope and be sure to include pictures! Use this online “Newsletter Submission Form” to submit an article.
Additionally, Hassena Kassim (Phoenix Zoo) has taken a position at North Carolina Art Museum and resigned her position on the board of directors. We have asked Donita Brannon to fulfill the remaining time of her term on the board as director-at-large and she has accepted this appointment. Thanks to Hassena for her service to AZH and congrats to Donita!
Lastly, the first recipients of the AZH Wendy Andrew Cultivation Grant were chosen at the recent mid-term board of directors meeting.
- Providing Interactive Plant Education & Conservation Connections
Buffalo Zoo - Melanie Anderson: $1000
- Sacramento Zoo Specimen Tree Signage project
Sacramento Zoo - Michaele Bergera: $840
Congratulations to Melanie and Michaele! We will hear more about these projects at the 2017 AZH annual conference.
We are excited to launch this new grant program in honor of Wendy Andrew, a long standing member of AZH who contributed significantly to our organization. She cultivated so many partnerships and relationships within AZH and we hope this grant program will continue her legacy to grow AZH and our members.
As always, please reach out to any member of the AZH board of directors with questions or concerns.
See you in the garden!
Danielle
