On Tuesday, June 27, 2023, Wales Postmaster, Thomas Smith, along with Bryan Connaughton, Postal Operations Manager, and Michele Bourget, Clerk at the Wales Post Office, presented Ed Hood, Executive Director at the Norcross Wildlife Foundation, Inc. a commemorative plaque for the dedication of the new Endangered Species Forever Stamp.
Excerpt from Mr. Smith’s Speech:
On May 19, 2023, the United States Postal Service celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act with the release of the Endangered Species Forever Stamp. The Endangered Species Act safeguards over 1600 plant and animal species to increase their chances of survival.
The pane of stamps represents a photographic portfolio of 20 endangered animal species. The stamps represent species found within the 50 states or living near US Borders. The word “Endangered” and the common name of the pictured species is printed on each stamp. The colorful and charismatic endangered creatures on the stamps were selected from more than 13,000 species in Joel Sartore’s National Geographic Photo Ark project. This project aims to document every species living in the world’s zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries, inspire action through education and help protect wildlife by supporting conservation efforts. Thus, making it a perfect stamp to be able to dedicate to Norcross as they have over 8000 acres of conservation lands, not to mention the free to the public classrooms and nature walks. We appreciate all your efforts at Norcross and what you do for the community.
No matter its size, each animal is treated with the same amount of affection and respect. The striking portraits are stunningly beautiful. “It’s the eye contact that moves people,” Sartore explains. “It engages their feelings of compassion and a desire to help. “
