Sonoma County resident Sylvan Eidelman is president-elect of Madrone Audubon Society. Environmental issues became of increasing interest and importance to Sylvan in the early 1990's. So much so that Sylvan made a complete career change in 1992. After working as a master stonemason for 20 years, Sylvan went back to school and studied water quality at Sonoma State University. Shortly thereafter, Sylvan earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration. Since steering this new career course, Sylvan's professional focus has been water quality. Dayside, he works as a waste water treatment operator with Sonoma County Water Agency. His duties there heavily involve him in water and wetlands protection activities that directly impact the quality of water in San Francisco Bay.

In 1999, Mr. Eidelman, along with other Bay Area Audubon chapter members, developed the concept to engage in the long-term effort to restore the wetlands of San Francisco Bay. Sylvan has been a driving force in the ambitious effort to restore San Francisco Bay wetlands, make SF Bay Restoration an Audubon priority - as well as a national priority.

Sylvan has also been very involved with the Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA). He and his Audubon and Petaluma Wetlands Alliance colleagues have been instrumental in securing a vitally important wetlands acquisition that will result in the creation of an innovative polishing wetlands adjacent to the Petaluma River. Thanks to the efforts of Sylvan and his team, the City of Petaluma will use constructed wetlands to cleanse water from the city's wastewater treatment plant adjacent to Shollenberger Park. This PWA initiative bolsters efforts to protect and restore the Petaluma River, San Francisco Bay, and critical wildlife habitat.

Sylvan was the recipient of the 2003 Bowen Award from Madrone Audubon Society; he will become president of Madrone Audubon Society in May 2004.We owe Sylvan many thanks for formulating the mission -and inspiring so many of us- to focus on restoring San Francisco Bay.

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