Ann F. Sheppard (top right inset photo) spent a lifetime cultivating a love for birds, wildlife, the natural world, and the arts.

That passion already had risen to the surface before she graduated from Midlakes High School in 1974. She would go on to study art at Kent State University before embarking on a career in various mediums, including a stint at the Finger Lakes Times in the 1980s as an illustrator.

The direction life took her was hardly a surprise. Her parents fostered a love and appreciation for the beauty that is all around us and the power it has. The whole family benefited, including sister Sara Britting (bottom left insert photo) of Geneva. I spoke with her recently, and she told me she and Ann were a year apart in age and extremely close.

Sadly, Ann passed away from cancer two years ago.

In recognition of her deep respect for and love of nature, birds and all wildlife, Sara, acting upon Ann’s wishes, initiated the effort for the creation of a special bird habitat restoration project — a wonderful and lasting tribute to her sister.

As Sara emphasizes, the Ann F. Sheppard Memorial Fund would not have been possible without the extraordinary help and interest of the Friends of the........

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