February 2023
Membership Meeting
Bighorn Institute’s Annual Membership Meeting was held February 4th at the Institute and we had a great group of members attend! We reviewed our accomplishments in 2022, plans for 2023 and elected the Board of Directors. Thanks to everyone that was able to join us!
Tour de Palm Springs
The Tour de Palm Springs took place on February 11th and we would like to thank all who participated on our behalf or donated to Bighorn Institute’s team. We hope everyone had a great time and we appreciate your support!
*Photo by Tour de Palm Springs
Lambing Off to a Rocky Start
Lambing season is well underway with a number of lambs born in all three of our study herds! However, the San Jacinto Mountains herd near Palm Springs has already had a few setbacks. One collared ewe appeared to have been attacked by a predator suffering a large gash on her rump and her lamb was lost. Another collared ewe crossed ranges from the San Jacinto’s to the northern Santa Rosa’s to give birth, which was amazing, but her lamb didn’t make it. These sheep have it tough, no doubt, but there are many ewes yet to give birth so we’re optimistic for a successful lambing season. Please let us know if you see lambs when you’re out hiking since most of the ewes are unmarked! You can call 760-346-7334 or email us at bi@bighorninstitute.org. However, please don’t post on social media where you see lambs as it often attracts others and too many people can be stressful to the sheep. We’ll keep you posted as lambing season progresses!
Upcoming Events
On Saturday, March 25th, we will be hosting our second annual Breakfast with the Bighorn fundraiser at the Institute! This casual morning mixer will include a catered breakfast and will be a nice time to mingle with fellow members and hopefully, see the sheep! Space is limited. Invitations will be emailed soon so check your inbox for details.
Save the date for our 2023 Spring Fling fundraiser to be held on Thursday, April 20th at Stone Eagle! Invitations will be mailed out in March, but please mark your calendars and we hope you’ll join us!
Dr. Charles Jenner
We are deeply saddened to let you know that our dear friend and founding President, Dr. Charles Jenner, passed away February 11th. Charlie was a gifted veterinarian by trade and the world’s greatest bighorn advocate in his spare time. He helped start the Institute 40 years ago and was a board member for over 30 years until health issues no longer allowed him to continue to serve in that capacity. Charlie was incredibly hands-on with our bighorn work, was deeply involved in all aspects of the Institute and was one of the nicest men you could ever hope to meet. We’re grateful to have called him our friend and will miss him dearly.
*Charlie helping on a capture at the Institute
Member Hike
Our February Member Hike was a success and we saw a group of ewes and lambs through a spotting scope and 8 rams much closer. Our next member hike will be held on Wednesday, March 15th and will be a moderately strenuous hike. Space is limited, no dogs, and you must RSVP for this first come first served hike. To sign up or for more information, please call us at 760-346-7334 or email us at bi@bighorninstitute.org.
*The rams we saw on the hike
Desert Learning Academy at BI
In early February, we had a small group of Desert Learning Academy students at the Institute for a bighorn presentation. It was a great group of kids who have been tasked with writing a blog or designing a website based on the sheep. We don’t usually host groups at our facility, but make an occasional exception for small school groups. If you would like a bighorn sheep presentation for your group, give us a call (760-346-7334) or email us (bi@bighorninstitute.org); we’d love to come talk to you!
BI Resale Store Items Needed
Have small, high-quality items you’d like to donate to Bighorn Institute’s Resale Store at Antique Galleries of Palm Springs? You get a tax donation, they sell it and we get the proceeds! But, we’re talking the good stuff, not the clutter in your garage destined for good will. Things we could use include: jewelry, coins, bullion, pen sets, small clocks and watches, crystal, camera equipment, statuary and decorative items, antiques and collectibles, etc. You can take your items directly to Antique Galleries of Palm Springs (505 E. Industrial Place, just south of downtown off Sunny Dunes) and ask for Mike or Thomas. If you can’t take your items in, give us a call and we can help collect them 760-346-7334. Thank you!
*BI's Resale store
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