Standing in front of a Brown Pelican constructed of hay and corn stalks, Bruce Hyde, Vermont Commissioner of Tourism, and Marv Elliott, Co-president of Rutland County Audubon, were on hand September 2 to help kick off the Killington Hay Festival. The National Audubon Society has been chosen as beneficiary of the fundraiser to help in their work in response to the Gulf oil disaster. The festival runs from September 4 through October 12.
The commissioner pointed out that Vermont is a green state and our population is well tuned in to green activities. The hay from the festival will be recycled at the Killington ski area to help prevent erosion.
Marv Elliott thanked the organizers and encouraged further donations to the Audubon effort. He spoke of the decline of bird numbers and a recent study showing at least 25% of our species in trouble. Now is a key time to study the spill to devise ways to better deal with environmental catastrophes in the future.
So if you want to add some new birds to your life list, take a ride to Killington. As you can see, they have some unbelievable species!