May 1, 2003                                 New Moon                                                                                                         

Dedicated to "Fixing the Holes" In addition to working full time as director of information technology for Pittsburgh's public television station WQED-TV, WPC Volunteer Kate St. John keeps an almost constant vigil on the endangered peregrine falcons in the area. It was she, more than anyone, who saw a need for a nest at the top of the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning and began the diligent task of making it a reality. "I looked up and saw two peregrines in the process of courtship. I knew Charles Bier (WPC's Natural Heritage Program Director) had put together a peregrine nest at the Gulf Tower, in downtown Pittsburgh, so I contacted him." Kate said. "Without Charles' expertise on this, we would have been lost." Kate worked directly with Pitt's personnel, gathering substantial amounts of research information to make her case and filling out the necessary paperwork to clear the way for a nest 42 stories above Pitt's campus. On Mother's Day, 2002, four peregrine chicks entered the world, marking the first documented successful hatching at the Pitt site. Without Kate's daily vigils and determination to make a difference, this extraordinary and beautiful event probably would never have happened. This year she found time to take a lead role in getting a camera placed at the site that allows users to view live peregrine activity at the Pitt nest. Click here to view it. Her commitment to conservation doesn't stop there. She also volunteers as a Land Steward for Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, providing hours of stewardship (land stewards are taught conservation issues and ethics, and equipped with the skills to regularly monitor and protect WPC properties and easements). And, in her spare time, she's a tireless spokesperson for conservation. She's sent letters, made calls and, when necessary, has testified before regulatory bodies. "I guess I first started to appreciate nature when I began hiking," she said. "I remember stopping and thinking 'This is so beautiful. I want to learn more about it.'" It was after many Sunday outings that Kate said she began to "see the holes," as she calls it, where land was being misused. "I was disturbed by everything that was falling apart. That's when I became an environmentalist, because I wanted to make a difference," Kate said. At right, Kate is seen admiring an eastern screech owl at a WPC land steward recognition event. E-mail Today's WPC Daily to a Friend! Friend's e-mail address: Your Message: Did you receive this WPC Daily from a friend? Want to get your own, every day? Click here to join the mailing list.. Volunteer Opportunities  View the winning WPC Daily for March Vote for your favorite WPC Daily in April

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