Foundation gives $94,960 for critical bird protection projects
[Madison, Wisconsin — December 18, 2017] — Birds that spend time in Wisconsin got a big boost from the Great Wisconsin Birdathon this year. Birdwatchers participating in the walkathon-style fundraiser, organized by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, raised more than $90,000 for bird conservation by forming teams, soliciting pledges and donations from friends, and trying to see as many bird species as possible in one day.
This record-setting year will allow the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin to expand support provided to existing priority projects, while adding support for several new projects identified as priorities by the Foundation and its bird conservation partners—Wisconsin DNR and Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative.
Total disbursal from the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin's Bird Protection Fund: $94,960.
- Amazon Conservation Association
- Bird City Wisconsin
- DNR – Kirtland’s Warbler Reintroduction
- DNR – Colonial Waterbird Monitoring
- DNR – Wisconsin Bird Monitoring Program
- DNR – Wisconsin Stopover Initiative
- International Crane Foundation
- Osa Conservation
- Wisconsin Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory
- Wisconsin Society for Ornithology - Breeding Bird Atlas II
“Natural disasters are in the news a lot these days, and birds are also vulnerable,” said Diane Packett, Birdathon coordinator at the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. “Their habitats and food sources can be devastated by storms, fires, and droughts. There are never enough funds for conservation and research, and that makes programs like the Birdathon more important than ever.”
The funding will support ten important research, habitat protection, and education projects that aim to help birds survive and thrive throughout the year. New projects receiving funding this year are: monitoring of colonial waterbirds by the Wisconsin DNR; Lake Michigan waterbird and waterfowl monitoring by the Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory, and bird monitoring and habitat protection in Peru by the Amazon Conservation Association. Receiving continuing support are Bird City Wisconsin, Wisconsin Stopover Initiative, Osa Conservation, Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II, Wisconsin Bird Monitoring Program, whooping crane reintroduction, and the Wisconsin Kirtland’s warbler project.
“We will be able to continue our work as the only bird observatory on Lake Michigan, through the support of many people donating to the Birdathon,” said William Mueller, director of the Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory. “Thanks to everyone who participated and donated to the Birdathon!"
This year, forty-nine teams from all over the state participated—including two dozen teams representing conservation organizations and Bird Cities that raised $11,000 for their own projects. Donations came from 796 individuals in 35 states, as well as from 29 special bird-focused fundraising Field Trips offered by the Foundation.
“Birds face more challenges today than ever before. That’s what makes the Great Wisconsin Birdathon so important; it gives avid birders, backyard birdwatchers, and anyone who enjoys birds, a fun and easy way to make a brighter future for them in Wisconsin and beyond,” said Ryan Brady, avian biologist at Wisconsin DNR and captain of the Lake Superior eBirders team.
While the main goal of the Birdathon is to raise money for bird conservation, it provides an opportunity for families, friends, school groups, and others to get outdoors and enjoy watching birds in Wisconsin’s many beautiful landscapes. Many participants entered their sightings into the online database eBird, contributing even more through citizen science.
This year’s teams found creative ways to participate, including the River Raptors teams that birded by canoe and kayak, the Goss Hawks of the Ben Goss Bird Club who hiked sections of the Ice Age Trail in Waukesha County, The Backpacking Birders of Kettle Moraine State Forest spent a night under the stars, and the Peddling Pewees who cruised Dane County roads and trails by bike.
“Really this event started my love of birds four years ago,” said Daniel Erickson, captain of the Badger Birders, representing the UW-Madison chapter of The Wildlife Society. “I was instantly hooked and bought my first pair of binoculars and bird guide when I got home. It helped shape my interests and career.”
The Great Wisconsin Birdathon is a walk-a-thon style fundraiser that engages individuals and communities to raise support and awareness for birds in Wisconsin. It began with a pilot event in 2012 in which 15 teams raised $26,000. It has expanded to a two-month event with 40-50 teams, including six to eight high-profile Signature Teams. The event is managed by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and the funds raised through the event are held in the Bird Protection Fund, a non-endowed program fund dedicated to bird conservation and held by the Natural Resources Foundation. Learn more at WisConservation.org/WIBirdathon.
The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin was created in 1986 and connects generations to the wonders of Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife through conservation, education, engagement, and giving. Since 1986, the Foundation has contributed nearly $7 million to public and private conservation efforts to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of Wisconsin, established the Wisconsin Conservation Endowment, which currently includes over 80 endowment funds and more than $6 million in assets that permanently conserve lands, protect wildlife, and promote conservation. Learn more at www.WisConservation.org.