Date: 10/17/25 11:11 am From: Anthony Metcalf via groups.io <ametcalf...> Subject: Re: [inlandcountybirds] Passing of birding legend, Gene Cardiff
Hi all,
Yes, indeed! Gene Cardiff had a significant and positive impact on birding
and the community—both as the center of gravity of Inland Southern
California birding and activism, and as a mentor to many of us. Personally,
Gene “saved my life” in a literal and professional way. Literally,
approximately 45 years ago, as a naïve naturalist, I ended up thigh deep
and sinking in the muddy silt of the Mystic Lake bed. Gene gathered dried
mud and vegetation and with his extended tripod as a life-line slowly
guided me in extricating myself and “swimming” over to him. Thanks
Gene!! Professionally,
it was Gene’s kindness, generosity and expertise that gave me the
opportunity to join the birding community, and ignite in myself a passion
for birding, ecology, evolution, and environmental activism. And, I know I
am not alone here. Thanks, Gene! Yes, Gene made an impact. He led a life
worth living and enjoyed every moment of it—especially in the field. He
reached 1000’s of students through the Field Ornithology classes he
developed at University of California, Riverside Extension Program and
leading San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society Field Trips. He helped many
of us become birders and environmental activists through his work as the
Curator of Biology at the San Bernardino Valley County Museum, and as an
early and continuing member of the San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society
where he spent well over half a century as Board Member, past President and
Field Trip Committee Chair. It was Gene that came up with the motto for the
fighting Meadowlarks, the avatar of the San Bernardino Valley Audubon
Society. That motto—“Sue the Bastards”. I know that Gene’s family is aware
of how loved and respected Gene is. Many of us shared birding adventures
with Gene, Joann, Steve and Kathy. And Steve and Kathy carry on that legacy
in their own ways today. And so will we. “Let’s go, we’re burning
daylight”. Thanks, Gene!
On Thu, Oct 16, 2025 at 11:38 AM Brad Singer via groups.io <bcsinger=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> It is with deep regret to announce the passing of Gene Cardiff,
> essentially the father of birding in the Inland Empire, last night at the
> age of 96. Gene was not only San Bernardino County Museum bird curator,
> but teacher, mentor, conservationist, and friend to so many people
> throughout southern California. There are so many stories to be told about
> Gene, some from over 50 years ago, that I will leave this thread open to
> whomever may want to express their appreciation of his wonderful life.
> Brad Singer
>
>
>
--
Anthony Metcalf
Department of Biology
California State University, San Bernardino
5500 University Parkway
San Bernardino, CA 92407
(909) 537-7501
FAX: (909) 537-7038
