Dear members,

Earlier in 2021, I did not think that I would be reporting on a second virtual Annual Meeting. However, over the course of the past two years, we have likely all been shocked by the pandemic-imposed challenges on many aspects of our lives; we have also all heard of unexpected successes and resiliencies, despite these challenges. I would like to address the latter, and celebrate the successes for which this organization should be proud. At this past year's virtual conference, we had a total of 203 individuals join our meeting. This total was approximately a 30% increase in conference attendance from our previous records. It should be clear to that Gopher Tortoise Council has a growing and vibrant membership! I hope to see this increased participation grow in the new year and sustain future records for in-person annual meetings. At the virtual meeting, we announced a total of over $8,000 in grants awarded to highly qualified students and environmental education facilities through the Landers and Heinrich awards. More highlights from this year's meeting are featured throughout the Winter 2021 newsletter.

Extremely generous donors paired with low overhead costs of virtual meetings have left Gopher Tortoise Council in the best financial shape to date. With this great news, we have increased the expected award amounts for our Landers student research grants. We have also changed the due date for the Landers award to February 11th in an effort to make this grant more accessible to student schedules. In light of the date change that is taking effect this year, we will have given out two separate rounds of student awards in one year! So, please, encourage yourself, your students, and/or your friends and colleagues to apply for one of these awards. Also, in light of our strong financial position, the Board is exploring additional ways of funding targeted special projects in conservation research. We will also be targeting financial support to Gopher Tortoise Day celebrations which is April 10th every year! Check out the "Gopher Tortoise Council Environmental Education Grants Updates for 2022" article in this newsletter for more details on new grant opportunities. All of these developments within our organization are successes that speak to the great work of our board and a highly engaged and generous membership.

Under the ever-growing pressure to develop upland habitats across the southeastern coastal plains, we know that the challenges facing gopher tortoises and the hundreds of associated species are not going to simply dissolve in the new year. I look forward, however, to seeing this organization continue to grow and lead in the conservation and research community. I believe that we must continue to advocate for science-based management and policies. When we as a community and organization hold fast to this conservation imperative, we will most closely approach the shared goals of our broad membership.

Thank you to the board for their continued and tireless work in running this volunteer organization, and thank you to all of our members and donors for their continued support.

Wishing you peace, health, and an abundance of nature in your New Year!

Sincerely,
Jeff Goessling
Outgoing Co-chair