F. G. "Fritz" Scheider M.D. - Derby Hill Observatory - Mexico, Oswego County, NY - Citizen Memorials on Waymarking.com

Memorial Nature Trail dedicated to the founder of Derby Hill Bird Observatory F. G. "Fritz" Scheider, M.D. 1931-1989"

(visit link)
"Beginning after the transfer of the north lookout from The Nature Conservancy, discussions began on such matters. As always, our fearless leader, Fritz Scheider was at the forefront of examining all options. Fritz strongly believed that we should improve our data gathering and management. Also we should be prepared raise money for land options that might develop. This planning proved to be very appropriate in the late 1970s.
The small cottage just east of Derby Hill became available and Onondaga Audubon jumped at the chance to purchase it. Using a revolving fund available from National Audubon, $25,000 was borrowed to obtain this building. The loan was repaid over a five year period and we now had a physical base of operations. Also, I had visited Cape May Bird Observatory in the fall of 1977 and became very excited over the possibilities at Derby Hill. Further discussions occurred and suddenly the Derby Hill Bird Observatory was born. Derby Hill Bird Observatory was approved as a research and education function by the Onondaga Audubon board in the period around 1977-1978.

Formation of Derby Hill Bird Observatory gave us membership in the bird observatory family at a time when many of these entities were being chartered. Note that we are Derby Hill Bird Observatory of the Onondaga Audubon Society, not Derby Hill Hawk Observatory. Even though raptor migration has always been a primary function of Derby Hill Bird Observatory it was created with the recognition of an abiding interest in other bird migration. Both the spring migration of other species and the fall migration, with its emphasis on water birds, were to be part of data gathering and education efforts. The missions of Derby Hill Bird Observatory from the get go were:
• Research and monitoring of migration.
• Educational efforts related to bird migration.
• Quality experiences for visitors to enjoy bird migration.
• Other programs as appropriate."

Location: Derby Hill Observatory - Mexico, Oswego County, NY Website with more information on either the memorial or the person(s) it is dedicated to: Not listed

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