Page 35 - 2007 DT 12 Issues

a series of different tools for various Planning for the Future Please Take Note:
purposes, either on their own or after
observing another bird. Geographic strategic planning meeting, Cactus Jack, Come on Back! Our
patterns of tool design suggest that chaired by President Pat own intrepid hiker, “Cactus” Jack
the crows have even improved their A lliams was held on Sat- Ryan is on the mend, recovering
Wi
technology by building on the work urday, April 7, 2007, and included from a recent serious illness. It is
of earlier generations. members of the board and committee a rare mountain peak in this valley
Primates, however, still rank as chairs. The meeting was conducted that Jack hasn’t conquered. We
the most intelligent of non-verbal ani- to address the following issues fac- hope to see him giving his nature
mals. Bennett Schwartz is a cognitive walks around the Visitor Center in
psychologist at Florida International ing the organization over the next the near future.
five years:
University in Miami whose work with
“King,” a 450-pound male silverback ◆ Short Term Goals (one to More Well Wishes:
gorilla reinforces the possibility that three year implementation plan) Phyllis Lisi, Administrative Assistant
some animals may be able to remem- – These include Trails & Mainte- on our DT staff, is recovering from
ber events in the past and connect nance EA approved projects needed recent knee surgery. She is slogging
them to the present. King uses picture from BLM; seek funding and BLM through physical therapy, but will be
flash cards to communicate. He has clearance for ADA trail development back to processing the newsletter,
shown that he can remember what for the disabled; Environmental Edu- starting with this issue of the DT.
foods he had in the past and who gave cation/Outreach (Latino/Hispanic Thanks Phyllis, you’re a trooper!
them to him, even when his humans outreach through various media); Red May General Meeting All members
cannot. He can communicate simple Spring Security; Changing Demo- are invited to attend the May Friends
statements to his caretakers and knows graphics (user groups); and Member meeting to be held at the Red Spring
the names of various foods, animals, Recruiting/Area Advocacy. Picnic Area on Saturday, May 19.
tools and individual people. ◆ Long Term Goals/Orga- International Kitchen will be serving
Determining the cognitive skills nizational Expectations –Friends Breakfast Burritos cooked to order
of our fellow animals may not only participation at Red Rock Canyon in starting at 8:30 a.m. The meeting
shed new light on the origins of in- future must expand to support both will begin promptly at 9 a.m.
telligence, but have implications in the resource and visitor needs. A fu-
developing tools to combat human ture Board would oversee a full-time Spring Fling Mark your calen-
disease. Research at the University manager, based on the required hours’ dars for May
of Georgia has demonstrated that rats burden to fulfill our mission. Resume 5 , S p r i n g
can discriminate what, where and Fling at the
when they encountered food and un- User Group Conferences fall 2007. Visitor Cen-
der what circumstances. According to ◆ Fundraising/Financial Man- ter, 10 a.m.-3
a recent issue of Current Biology, their agement – Development of additional p.m. Vendors,
“episodic-like” memory may help to revenue streams: license plate, grants, crafts, edu-
develop a model for understanding the merchandise sales expansion, other; c a t i o n a l
neural basis of Alzheimer’s disease, Proceeds to fund Special Projects, materials and
dementia and amnesia. Environmental Scholarships, as well exhibits. Help
needed to di-
Many of those who have expe- as expanded operations. rect parking.
rienced the love, loyalty and caring ◆ Financial Planning – Short Call Kate.
of a companion animal may not be and Long Term – Investment plan
surprised that other creatures possess analysis and Standing Finance Ad- Volunteer Training Reminder
some sophisticated aspects of intel- visory Panel to be established. Classes begin May 4, and con-
ligence, and even humanity. We can ◆ Board Growth and Develop- tinue through June 30. Go to
hope that future findings will lead to a ment – Discussion of needed skill www.getoutdoorsnevada.org to view
richer and more rewarding experience sets; outreach to business community the training schedule. You may regis-
for both animals and humans. ❏ for Board service. ter on the site or call 702-895-5734.

FORRC/May/2007 Page 3