Katina Tsakiris, former assistant program director of the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Center, developed the Sedge blog because she was inspired by Linn Pierson's "Nestbox News." Katina has suggested that we dedicate the Sedge Blog to Linn (see article below.) I think I can speak for all Friends of Sedge as well as all program participants when I say we would be honored to dedicate the Sedge blog to Linn Pierson.

NOTE: As many of you know, the falcons in Jersey City (and most of those found in the northeastern United States) are likely descendents of the first birds brough from Alaska to Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone by Pete McLain in the late 1970's . This spring our falcons have three chicks in the nest. Linn must be smiling down on these tiny birds. Logon to njfishandwildlife.com to see Linn's birds in Jersey City. Then come see ours in real life.

April 10, 2007
We are extremely saddened to report that Linn Pierson, naturalist and author of Nestbox News since 2002, has passed away from cancer. Linn combined her passion for peregrine falcons with her brilliant writing skills to paint a picture for readers of Nestbox News. She was the interpreter of the nest-box and roof-top action, putting the pieces into the context of the entire nesting season and the life history of peregrines.

We know from your feedback and donations that thousands of viewers looked forward to new entries in the log, and we attribute that popularity to Linn?s beautiful writing and shared enthusiasm for her favorite birds. In addition to her involvement in Jersey City, she monitored the re-establishment of peregrines on their historic cliff areas in the Palisades, and surveyed everything from songbirds to eagles for the Endangered and Nongame Species Program. Labors of love, all. As is so often the case with wildlife, there are the heights of joy in life and the tragedies of untimely death. Linn wrote about both so eloquently.

New Jersey's wildlife conservation community, and especially the Endangered and NongameSpecies Program and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation, lost a great ally and friend yesterday. Soar high and free, Linn - we will miss you so.

We dedicate this 2007 peregrine season to our friend, Linn Pierson.

Taken from the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife's website - Please visit the Peregrine webcam page and the Nestbox News