Support the Huntley Meadows Park 20th Annual Birdathon 2016
Tuesday May 3rd
Every year on a springtime Tuesday morning, Park staff and volunteers spread out across Huntley Meadows Park (HMP) to count birds. In 1997, an annual survey evolved into an event to remember and honor two ex-ceptional men: Ken Howard and Ed Weigel. Both were volunteers who inspired a love of nature within the Park visitors they met. Their work continues to this day through the Park’s Resource Management Internship funded by the HMP Bird-a-thon. This internship provides a young person with the opportunity to begin a ca-reer in conservation and to get hands-on experience in this wonderful Park. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of interacting with the interns and believe this opportunity has a positive impact on their future en-deavors and as stewards of our parks and green spaces.
Here is what some of the past years’ interns have said about their experiences: “I wanted to learn more about birds and reptiles, but I never expected to learn as much as I have.” “I have learned countless forest, meadow and wetland plant species, and I’ve learned about invasive plant management and herbicides.” “One of the main objectives of the internship is to assess the water quality of the wetland by taking the mac-ro-invertebrate samples and identifying them...The diversity and amount of organisms I’ve gathered have real-ly surprised me. Seeing the dedication of Huntley’s staff and volunteers continues to inspire me to work harder.”
It’s hard to believe 2016 marks the 20th year of Bird-a-thon and 20 years for the Resource Management In-ternship. As a former staff person and now volunteer, I thoroughly enjoy my involvement with this fundrais-er. We have experienced all types of birding conditions from cold and rainy to downright hot; some excep-tional birding mornings, like sighting our all-time high of 109 species to having to search for one house spar-row to boost our numbers to 90 species; but no matter the day, it’s always such a treat to be in the Park. I always complain about having to get up way too early, but I’m always rewarded with a memorable morning of wildlife watching and comradery with my fellow birders. So, let’s make our 20th Bird-a-thon event the best fundraising effort ever!!! -- Annie Stat
The FOHMP Board requests donations to support this annual event which, in turn, funds the yearly Re-source Management Internship. Your generous donation will help us reach our goal of $2,800.
The Board of Huntley Meadows Park
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