FAIRHOPE – The Bald Eagle Bash fundraiser for the Weeks Bay Foundation has been cancelled due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus.

The event had been scheduled for April 25, but after the Alabama Department of Public Health issued recommendations that public gatherings not be held for more than 50 people, organizers decided to cancel the event.

The Bald Eagle Bash is the foundation’s biggest fundraiser and supports the foundation’s work year-round to protect the critical lands, water, and wildlife habitats in south Alabama, Ellis Allen, chairman, said.

“During times such as this, donations naturally taper off and we all rightfully turn our attention to those in need,” Allen said in a statement. “As your local non-profit land trust, we rely on events, memberships, donations, and grants to sustain this important work throughout the year. While we are asking staff to review all expenses and operate on as lean a budget as possible, our mission of protecting your natural resources will not change. We will continue to monitor protected lands, restore our public-access properties, and work on pending conservation easements in both Mobile and Baldwin counties. Outreach activities such as guided paddle trips will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.”

Allen said contributions are still needed and donations can be made online at the foundation website: https://weeksbay.org.