Friends of Huntley Meadows Park
2023 Annual Birdathon
Lindsay Schneider, the 2018 Resource Management (RM) Intern said of her time working with Huntley Meadows Park (HMP) staff and volunteers: “Their wisdom and passion for nature has been inspiring and incredibly beneficial in furthering my understanding of species and their habitats.” The 2021 intern Emery Poulsen explained that she “had a wide variety of experiences and played a number of different roles.” Learn more about Lindsay’s and Emery’s experiences by reading their contributions to our 2018 Winter and 2021 Fall newsletters; newsletter archives located HERE.
Experiences like Lindsay’s and Emery’s are why, early on many a May morning, Park staff and volunteers have walked the trails through HMP to count birds. This annual survey, held since 1996, evolved as an event to remember and honor two exceptional men: Ken Howard and Ed Weigel. Both were volunteers who shared their love of nature with any Park visitor lucky enough to chat with them. Their work continues through the Park’s RM Internship, made possible by funds raised through the HMP Bird-a-thon. This internship provides a young person with needed hands-on experience as the intern begins a career in conservation. Over the years, many on the Board of Friends of Huntley Meadows Park (FOHMP) have had the privilege of interacting with the interns, and we all believe this opportunity has a positive impact on their future endeavors as the next generation of stewards of our parks and green spaces.
Those who participate in the bird count fundraiser for the interns enjoy their involvement with this campaign. They have counted birds in all kinds of conditions, from cold and rainy to downright hot, tallying anywhere from 90 to as many as 108 species in one day! But no matter what happens, the feeling is that it’s always such a treat to be in the Park. Anticipation of meeting a new RM Intern and what valuable experiences that intern will receive provides trail conversation throughout the morning.
The FOHMP Board requests donations to support this annual event. Your generous donation will help us reach our goal of $3,000 to fund the 2023 RM Intern. You can donate a set amount, an amount for every bird counted, or an amount for each species counted
The Board, Friends of Huntley Meadows Park