President’s Message: Spring 2026
March/April
By Cheyenne Stradinger
It seems that this winter has brought some significant weather extremes for those of us in WAML. Here in Albuquerque, we’ve experienced a stretch of 60°F weather (about 20°F above normal). In the spring, we typically see extreme wind gusts, and that pattern seems to be arriving early this year. Nothing says spring in New Mexico like dirt and tumbleweeds blowing in your face! I’ve also heard from other WAML members about floods, tornadoes, and avalanches in their regions.
The WAML Executive Board has been moving along steadily as we tackle several initiatives, including:
- Establishing an ad hoc committee to discuss the MAGIRT Online Guide to U.S. Map Collections
- Transitioning the Treasurer position (a three-year role that involves many steps)
- Planning the next conference in Denver, as well as discussing potential future locations
Soon, WAML members should receive an email regarding several important items, including voting for the next cycle of the WAML Executive Board. We have welcomed quite a few new members recently, and it would be delightful to see some new faces on the Board. I very much enjoyed planning the Idaho conference with Bruce Godfrey in my role as VP/President-Elect, and I’m looking forward to beginning my next phase as Past President in July.
We are also still seeking volunteers for liaison positions with ALA/MAGIRT, as well as assistance with the New Mapping Editor. Working with such a great group of people is incredibly rewarding, so please consider throwing your name in the hat if you’ve been thinking about running for the Executive Board or another position in WAML.Please take care of yourselves and your neighbors,
Cheyenne