A fixture at the Ellis Bird Farm in Lacombe County is retiring after 33 years.
The farm’s board of directors recently honoured long-time biologist and site services manager Myrna Pearman for her work at the nature sanctuary.
“Myrna’s legacy is deeply valued by all those who have been associated with the Ellis Bird Farm. The current board of directors, and those who came before, would like to wish Myrna a joyful and fulfilling retirement,” a statement said.
Over the years, Pearman has preserved and created a walking trail in the west woods, worked to develop wetland habitat, maintained a blue bird trail, established a purple martin colony and the largest collection of blue bird houses in the world.
She was instrumental in the farm having the first tower in Alberta for tracking the migration of birds.
In recognition of the conservation and research Pearman has done over the years, particularly regarding bluebirds, she has received numerous awards. In 2020, she became a fellow in the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
“Ellis Bird Farm would not be the success it is today without the dedication, commitment and oversight of the volunteer board of directors, past and current,” Pearman said.
“These community members care deeply about Ellis Bird Farm and volunteer their time and talents to ensure accountability and good governance.
“I appreciate the current board, who have worked with me over the past months to navigate the uncharted waters of my exit from the organization. I wish the farm all the best in the future.”
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