As we end 2025, we have a lot to be thankful for. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff at the Blackwater Refuge, whom we depend on for conservation and maintenance programs at Eastern Neck, survived the 43-day government shutdown without losing staff, and continue to have the resources necessary to make their frequent four-hour round trips to Eastern Neck.

Another shutdown could be on the horizon in January, however, and the possibility of future cuts still looms. Friends of Eastern Neck will continue to advocate for the Refuge in 2026 as we did this past year. We are very thankful for all the support we received from local leaders and citizens. 

One of the highlights of our advocacy efforts was a site visit from staffers for U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, and U.S. Representative Andy Harris’s to the island. After showing them all the work FWS and FOEN do together, they came away impressed and took our concerns back to their bosses. 

Our efforts to educate children about nature and the wonders of the island continued in 2025 with a spring marine science presentation to third-graders from Rock Hall Elementary; a summer Kids Gone Fishing outing at Bogles Wharf; and a fall field trip for fifth-graders from RHES to learn about bees and butterflies, among other things. 

FOEN funds helped maintain infrastructure and conservation efforts on the Refuge. Work is nearly finished to repair and replace the Lodge windows. Approximately $30,000 of the cost came from Friends support. We also helped repair the slate roof on the Lodge, paid for the replacement of a water-control system on an island pond, and recently purchased more than 8,000 sapling trees to provide cover and food for many Refuge species. 

Thanks to the efforts of many volunteers and the management skills of Secethia Boardley-Davis, our popular butterfly garden is flourishing. Our Bookstore and Gift Shop manager, Carol Sutera, has been doing a fantastic job stocking new and interesting items, increasing our profits, all of which go back to the Refuge. 

In board of directors news, Bonnie Ford stepped down as Vice President, and board member Rudy Dieperink was elected to fill that role. Bonnie has become our Membership Coordinator. She was replaced on the board by Dr. Meg Scott, a well-known community leader and retired veterinarian. 

We look forward to another productive year in 2026 and thank all of you for your support and membership as we meet the challenges still to come.

FOEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The composition of the board as of January 2026 is:

Officers

  • President, William Burton
  • Vice president, Rudy Dieperink
  • Treasurer, Sue Conaghan
  • Secretary, Cece Trainor

Board Members

  • Jennifer Glenn
  • David Holyoke
  • Carol Sutera
  • Secethia Boardley-Davis
  • Meg Scott

Carol Sutera continues as Gift Shop manager. Ellen Chamberlin is our Visitor Contact Station/Gift Shop Volunteer Coordinator. Bob Ford edits the quarterly Rookery newsletter. The USWFS Refuge Managers are Marcia Pradines, Brian Boutin, Ray Paterra, Michele Whitbeck and Nicole Hengst.