Steve & Regina Garr, right, not only gave two very informative presentations -- Steve on Purple Martins and Regina on Bluebirds – but they were available to talk to everyone at a table they manned with bird-and-nature-related sale items from their store in Jefferson City, Mo. Pictured with the Garrs is Greg Beavers from Indiana. Greg is the current Treasurer of the North American Bluebird Society and we were pleased that his trip to Nebraska coincided with our conference.

Kathleen Ziemer, “the Butterfly Lady” from Des Moines, gave a very upbeat and informative presentation on how to attract butterflies to your yard. Anyone hoping to bring more of the beautiful creatures into their gardens went home with advice that is sure to make a difference.

Our fifth presenter was our own Sandy Seibert, BAN president. Sandy’s presentation covered the predators and competitors nesting bluebirds are forced to deal with and how trail monitors can help the bluebird in its struggle to raise its young. Sandy made the technical leap into creating and presenting her program via PowerPoint. BAN’s webmaster Jim McLochlin was there to lend needed technical support.

2006 Bluebirder of the Year, Ruan Pohlman of Stanton, left, with Sandy Seibert. Rather than allow the successful bluebird trail at Ashfall State Historical Park to be taken down due to no monitor, Ruan took it upon herself to monitor the trail on a weekly basis. The trail is 70 miles from her home – ONE WAY.

Sharon Holliday, left, received BAN’s 2006 “True Blue Award” from Sandy Seibert in recognition of Holliday’s continuing dedication and service to the organization.

Roscoe Malick, left, receives recognition and appreciation for the “behind the scenes” work he has done for BAN for many years. He is congratulated by Sandy Seibert.