NEWBURYPORT—Mass Audubon has appointed David Moon as the new director of its Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport. Moon succeeds Bill Gette, who is retiring after 20 years with the respected conservation organization.

Mass Audubon Regional Director Andrea Lukens described Moon as an "ideal successor" to Gette, who was instrumental in the 2003 opening of the popular Education Center on the Plum Island Turnpike.

"David is an enthusiastic teacher, administrator, and naturalist, an avid birder and trip leader, and a true ambassador for connecting people with nature," Lukens said. "With those attributes and others, we expect he'll further broaden Joppa Flats' opportunities and potential, while honoring the best of the Education Center's traditions developed during Bill's remarkable tenure."

Moon most recently served on the faculty of the Putney School in Putney, VT., where he taught life sciences to 10th-12th graders and developed ornithology as an academic course. Previous to that position, he served as executive director of the Ashuelot Valley Environmental Observatory in Keene, NH and earlier taught science and ecology in Pennsylvania, Costa Rica, and New Hampshire.

A career science educator and non-profit manager with a commitment to engaging multiple communities and audiences, Moon holds an M.S. in Environmental Studies from Antioch University New England in Keene and a B.S. degree in Biology from Haverford College in Haverford, PA.

"Joppa Flats Education Center is one of our best places to teach about birds and coastal ecosystems, and where we can advocate for their protection." Moon said. "I'm honored and delighted to join Mass Audubon in that effort!"

###

Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 35,000 acres of conservation land, provide school, camp, and other educational programs for 225,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Founded in 1896 by two inspirational women who were committed to the protection of birds, Mass Audubon has grown to become a powerful force for conservation in New England. Today we are respected for our sound science, successful advocacy, and innovative approaches to connecting people and nature. Each year, our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries welcomes nearly half a million visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds and serves as the base for our work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (800-283-8266) or visit www.massaudubon.org.