Dear members,

As we begin another year, I’d like to say thank you to everyone who made time to attend the 47th Annual Meeting of the Gopher Tortoise Council last year at Tall Timbers. It was a beautiful place to host a meeting. We had about 180 people in attendance. Thanks to everyone, particularly the staff at Tall Timbers, and the council board who worked to pull off the meeting. Special thanks to our Outgoing Co-Chair Kim Sash who did a wonderful job planning the meeting, organizing the events, and herding all the help. Thanks to all the presenters who took their time to attend and share what they have been working on. Particularly, I’d like to say thanks to Bill Palmer, the keynote speaker, and to Bruce Means for summarizing the history of herpetology at Tall Timbers. Both talks helped bring perspective to the importance of properly managed properties like the one at Tall
Timbers. As always, thanks to the students who made time to attend and present. The future of the organization is in good hands!

We are also excited for the meeting to return to Alabama. We are planning to host the 48th Annual Meeting at Gulf State Park Lodge in Gulf Shores, Al. Tentative dates are 11/6-8/2026. More details to follow in the coming months. We would also like to welcome Kevin Loope, with Virgina Tech University, as the incoming Junior Co-Chair. 

Like in previous years, Gopher Tortoise Day on April 10 will be here before we know it. If you or someone you know has interest in hosting a Gopher Tortoise Day event, grant applications are due March 15th. Gopher tortoises and their habitat benefit when we can support fun educational events that inform the public about the value of conserving gopher tortoises.

Finally, thanks to the entire board for your commitment to this organization. Also, thanks to everyone who provided comments during the meeting review. We will use your input to make improvements where we can. Please share information about the council with those you think would be interested.

Thanks for all you do,

Jeff Baker

Senior Co-chair