Meet John and Anna Marie Thron

January 15, 2009

Topics: People Profiles

 

The following profile appeared in the Spring 2008 edition of Maine Audubon's Habitat.

 

 Peony Circle members John and Anna Marie Thron became involved with Maine Audubon not long after they purchased their summer home in Boothbay in 1975. Now year-around Maine residents, they spend their time between Portland and Boothbay homes.

"We first became involved with Maine Audubon when we took birding trips to Grand Manan and Monhegan Island, led by Peter Vickery," Anna Marie said of the expert birder and Maine author.

That involvement has continued with their long-time support culminating in a generous Capital Campaign gift and John serving on our Board of Trustees. When asked on a recent visit to Gilsland Farm what elements of Maine Audubon's mission most resonate with them, John's answer was quick and clear. "Education and advocacy," he said.

"The two go hand in hand," John added. "I think part of what makes Maine Audubon so effective is that it has the power to influence policy from the bottom up. It's a grassroots organization that begins with kids and their education-teaching them how to become responsible stewards."

"The number of environmental issues facing our state today is really staggering," Anna Marie said. "State policies encouraging sprawl, development pressure from the second-home market, the conversion of North Woods timberlands into subdivisions-they're all having detrimental effects, not the least of which is a loss of wildlife habitat.

"We really need to pay attention to these issues, and of course to climate change, energy conservation and alternative energy needs, in order to protect the natural resources Mainers really treasure-our wildlife, waters, and beautiful places."

As Maine works to find sustainable solutions, the Throns agreed that Maine Audubon's science-based approach will continue to be effective. "Bringing scientific research to the table along with a willingness to listen to all sides are great strengths, and Maine Audubon has always used them well," Anna Marie said.

"There's hope if we can teach children about responsible consumption and connect them with the environment they'll be caring for someday," John continued. "It all starts by getting kids outdoors more often-kids are spending too much time inside nowadays."

Spending time outdoors offers many physical and mental benefits-benefits the Throns know well. "We've always been outdoor people, no matter the season." Anna Marie said. "Cross-country skiing in winter, gardening in spring, and canoeing and trips around Maine the rest of the year."