The Weeks Bay Foundation in Alabama is planning an event to honor former Alabama Congressman Jack Edwards who was responsible for introducing legislation that led to the establishment of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, and who was also instrumental in the creation of the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Baldwin County, Alabama.

Edwards, who was a congressman from 1965 to 1985, also served as chairman of the Weeks Bay Foundation from 1991-2008, which worked to acquire land for the Reserve.

According to Baldwin County NOW:

His efforts led to the fulfillment of the foundation’s missions of conservation management and protection, restoration of native fish and wildlife habitats for migrating birds and threatened and endangered species and greater public awareness of environmental issues.

“I’m flattered to be honored,” Edwards said. He credits Weeks Bay Foundation President Skipper Tonsmiere and John Borom, director of the Faulkner State Community College Fairhope campus for encouraging him to get involved in the drive to set aside land for conservation in perpetuity.

Edwards said, “I was in Congress in those days when they proposed the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. We had a little land left over, and they thought we should do the Weeks Bay Reserve. They’ve been my guiding light on these issues.”

Edwards devoted a lot of time and energy to improving the quality of life for southwest Alabama residents during his 10 terms in Congress, and his work there made great strides toward protecting fish and wildlife as well, Tonsmiere said.

“He was instrumental in the establishment of the (Bon Secour Reserve) on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, which by extension led us to found the (Weeks Bay Reserve) across Bon Secour Bay,” Tonsmiere said…

The foundation recently established the Jack Edwards Conservation Fund as another way of honoring the semi-retired Edwards, who splits his time between his Eastern Shore home and a residence in the mountains of western North Carolina.

To find out more about the December 4 event to honor Jack Edwards, visit the Weeks Bay Foundation website. Sponsors will cover the cost of the Edwards tribute, so all proceeds will benefit the Jack Edwards Conservation Fund.

Tags:
wildlife, National Wildlife Refuge System, Jack Edwards, Bon Secour NWR, Alabama