Tom at Padre Island in 1996
Earthspan must tearfully advise its friends and supporters of the untimely passing of Director and founding member Tom Maechtle. A talented biologist and internationally known expert on peregrines, he directed the Padre Survey for many years. Tom was a key figure in most Earthspan projects for decades, working alongside us on peregrine projects in Greenland, Alaska, Mexico, South America and Russia. He authored or co-authored many scientific publications, built his highly successful Bighorn Environmental Consultants firm in Sheridan, WY, and still found time for a rewarding family life with daughter Ireland and wife Kathy. Tom was a brother and steadfast friend to us, and his importance in our lives and those of countless others cannot be measured. His health took a sudden and unexpected turn since visiting our Assateague Island survey in October, and we must now endure the incalculable personal and professional loss of this seminal figure in peregrine research. As Earthspan’s important projects continue, Tom’s influence and ethic and spirit will always be an integral part of them.
Tom’s daughter Ireland is 18 and has just completed her first semester at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg. A Universal Transfers to Minors Account fund has been established for her education expenses with Kathy as custodian. Gifts of up to $14K per calendar year from any one person are allowable with no tax liability on Ireland’s part other than for any interest accrued. Donations may be mailed for account number 6025387314 to Wells Fargo Bank, C/O Mark Kohl, 2001 SW 17th St., Ocala, FL 34471.
The Assateague and Padre Island Peregrine surveys completed successful field seasons in October, and reports are posted on this site under the Research tab.