[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Press Release” text_orientation=”center” background_overlay_color=”rgba(60,73,49,0.46)” module_class=”sub-head” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_image=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Devils-Lake-East-Bluff_JMayer-e1534522227428.jpg” background_blend=”overlay” global_colors_info=”{}” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover=”null” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover=”null” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover=”null” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover=”null” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover=”null” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover=”null”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ border_width_bottom=”3px” border_color_bottom=”#87a270″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/tile-image-template-for-website-767-\u00d7-700-px.png” alt=”Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin Logo” title_text=”tile image template for website (767 \u00d7 700 px)” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”100%” custom_margin=”||-37px||false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”95.4%” custom_padding=”21px|3px||0px||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Media Contacts:<\/strong><\/p>\n Shelly Torkelson, Communications Director PHONE: <\/strong>(602) 481-4109<\/p>\n EMAIL:\u00a0<\/strong>Shelly.Torkelson@WisConservation.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Caitlin Williamson, Director of Conservation Programs PHONE: <\/strong>(608) 409-3109 ext.1009<\/p>\n EMAIL:\u00a0<\/strong>Caitlin.Williamson@WisConservation.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||8px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Madison, WI<\/p>\n The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is directing the record-breaking $117,000 raised during the 2022 Great Wisconsin Birdathon to the state’s biggest bird conservation needs.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Blog-post-photo-dimensions-43-10.jpg” alt=”Whooping crane walks through tall grass” title_text=”Whooping crane walks through tall grass photo by David McGowen” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A Whooping Crane (the 2022 Birdathon’s Bird of the Year) walks through tall grass. The Bird Protection Fund has supported the recovery and conservation of this endangered species for over 20 years. Photo by David McGowan via Getty Images<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Wisconsinites really love their birds, and it shows.<\/p>\n Every year birdwatchers from every corner of the state “bird for a cause” during the Great Wisconsin Birdathon<\/a><\/strong>, the annual fundraiser for the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin\u2019s Bird Protection Fund.<\/a> But this year was one for the books\u2014together these birders raised a record-breaking $117,000 for bird conservation.<\/p>\n This funding will protect Wisconsin\u2019s threatened and endangered birds by creating and protecting habitat; supporting research and monitoring projects; and making bird education and outreach initiatives possible.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Since the Bird Protection Fund\u2019s inception in 2009, it has given over $1.3 million<\/strong> to Wisconsin\u2019s highest-priority bird conservation projects. Every year before the Bird Protection Fund announces the year’s grants, the Fund’s advisory committee reviews bird conservation priorities in Wisconsin and determines the greatest needs.\u00a0<\/p>\n This year, the Bird Protection Fund is expanding support for the Connecticut Warbler<\/a> and for grassland birds like Bobolink, Dickcissel, and Henslow\u2019s Sparrow, because they’re facing growing threats.<\/p>\n Funds are also going to outreach and education programs that get more people involved in bird conservation. For example, the Neighborhood Habitat Improvement Project is helping communities create bird habitat at the local level. And the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin is expanding their reach across the state, inspiring new bird lovers\u2014and ultimately, bird protectors.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Henslows-sparrow-by-Eric-Preston-blog.jpg” alt=”Henslow’s Sparrow on wild grape By Eric Preston” title_text=”Henslow’s Sparrow on wild grape By Eric Preston” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”75%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Bird Protection Fund announced its 2022 grants, one of which focuses on grassland birds (like this Henslow’s sparrow perching on wild grape). Photo by Eric Preston<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”1474px” custom_padding=”1px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is proud to announce the recipients of this year\u2019s Bird Protection Fund grants. In total, the Bird Protection Fund will support the following projects:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Wisconsin’s Important Bird Area (IBA) system brings partners and stakeholders together to coordinate and plan management, stewardship, and monitoring activities that will benefit vulnerable bird species, ensuring access to essential habitat. Funds will support a series of workshops for IBA managers and partners. The goal is to develop and implement strategies that increase understanding, protection, and management of Important Bird Areas.\u00a0 Partner: Wisconsin Bird Conservation Partnership\u00a0<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n The Feminist Bird Club is dedicated to promoting diversity in birding and providing a safe opportunity for people to learn to bird and engage with others. Funding will support continued capacity building as this organization continues to grow. Partner: Feminist Bird Club – Madison Wisconsin Chapter<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The Connecticut Warbler is rapidly declining across Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources aims to raise awareness about this bird and what threatens it. This communications campaign will create more impactful protection across the warbler\u2019s range. See the Wisconsin DNR’s recent press release for more information.<\/a> Partner: DNR’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n This project will make bird-friendly actions more approachable for communities by understanding their motivations and barriers to action and building tools based on this understanding, while also continuing to build partnerships needed to sustain bird-friendly actions. Partner: Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n This expansive research effort seeks to identify critical migratory stopover regions in Central and South America. New stopover sites are being identified and mapped, and mist-netting and radio-tracking of birds are revealing how they use these sites. Funds will support the expansion of their surveys to Honduras, Guatemala and Belize. The results of these studies will be used to develop conservation plans for migratory stopover habitat, critical to saving migration for Wisconsin’s birds. Partners: SELVA<\/a> and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n The goal of the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin is to develop a community of Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) and allies that will increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in birding and the outdoors in Dane County and Wisconsin, changing the narrative about who is or can be a birder. Funds will support the purchase of binoculars to increase access to birding gear as well as capacity building and outreach through monthly events and social media. Partner: BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Piping Plovers are a federally endangered species that relies on habitat on the shores of the Great Lakes. Funds will focus on habitat management and creation of potential breeding sites, monitoring of nesting pairs, and banding of chicks. Partner: DNR’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Conservation partners are working hard to reintroduce the critically imperiled Whooping Crane, one of the rarest birds in North America. The Bird Protection Fund is supporting conservation efforts including monitoring the existing wild population, raising and releasing captive chicks with the goal of establishing a self-sustaining migratory population, and supporting community education and outreach to protect this species. Partner: International Crane Foundation<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Grassland birds are one of the fastest declining groups of birds in Wisconsin. As part of an effort to create and enhance grassland bird habitat in the Southern Kettle Moraine across both public and private land, support from the Bird Protection Fund will enable the Kettle Moraine Land Trust to work with private landowners to support the additional creation of habitat near priority sites on DNR-managed land. Partner: Kettle Moraine Land Trust<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Members-of-team-Girl-Scout-Troop-11035-bird-by-Molly-Ticcioni-blog.jpg” alt=”Members of team Girl Scout Troop 11035 bird by Molly Ticcioni” title_text=”Members Of Team Girl Scout Troop 11035 Bird By Molly Ticcioni Blog” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”75%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n People from all walks of life came together during the 2022 Great Wisconsin Birdathon. Here, a member of the Girl Scout Troop 11035 birding team points out a bird. Photo by Molly Ticcioni<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In addition to the Bird Protection Fund’s grants, teams that are doing bird conservation themselves also keep 50% of the funds they raise. These organizations channel those funds back into their communities, supporting local bird conservation projects and expanding outreach for birds. This year, 27 land trusts, nature centers, “Friends Of” groups, conservation organizations, bird clubs, Bird Cities, and more are putting $22,815 back into local bird conservation.<\/p>\n What is that $22,815 doing? It\u2019s installing bird houses, putting birding backpacks in local libraries, planting native plants, placing bird-related signage at local parks, buying binoculars for youth programs, creating more accessible birding events, supporting bird-tracking projects, protecting critical habitat held in trust, and so much more.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Members-of-team-The-BIPOC-Flock-representing-the-BIPOC-Birding-Club-of-Wisconsin-during-the-2022-Great-Wisconsin-Birdathon.-Photo-by-Dexter-Patterson.jpg” title_text=”Members Of Team The BIPOC Flock, Representing The BIPOC Birding Club Of Wisconsin, During The 2022 Great Wisconsin Birdathon. Photo By Dexter Patterson” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”75%” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Members of team “The BIPOC Flock,” representing the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, birded at Lake Farm Park during the 2022 Great Wisconsin Birdathon. The BIPOC Birding Club creates safe spaces for people of color in the outdoors through outdoor birding activities and outdoor experiences. Individuals and families of all ages and at any level of birding experience are invited and encouraged to join. Photo by Dexter Patterson<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”364px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n These projects showcase the incredible range of support for Wisconsin\u2019s birds. Together, they protect their breeding grounds here in Wisconsin all the way to their migratory habitat in Central and South America.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Great Wisconsin Birdathon<\/strong><\/a> began in 2012 and since then has raised more than $700,000 for bird protection in Wisconsin. The funds are collected and managed by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin through the Bird Protection Fund.<\/p>\n The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin<\/strong><\/a> is a statewide nonprofit organization that connects generations to the wonders of Wisconsin\u2019s lands, waters, and wildlife through conservation, education, engagement, and giving. Since 1986, the Foundation has contributed more than $10 million to public and private conservation efforts, and is dedicated to conserving lands, protecting wildlife, and promoting conservation in Wisconsin in perpetuity.<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”154.4px” custom_margin=”-10px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”0px||1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Check out the 2022 Birdathon Report to learn more about the 2022 Birdathon’s record-breaking success and how individuals, families, nonprofits and more came together for the birds.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”2022 Birdathon participant” portrait_url=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/A-banded-Kirtlands-Warbler-seen-by-team-Lake-Superior-eBirders-during-the-2022-Great-Wisconsin-Birdathon.-Photo-by-Ryan-Brady.jpg” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n “I loved getting to see new places in Wisconsin and get introduced to new birds I hadn’t seen before!”<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/issuu.com\/wisconservation\/docs\/2022_birdathon_report_final” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Read the 2022 Birdathon Report on Issuu” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Neotropical Flyways Project<\/a> has been receiving funds from the Bird Protection Fund since 2018 and continues to report ground-breaking new discoveries about migration patterns each year. Continued funding will allow the Neotropical Flyways Project to expand its impactful bird surveys to new regions, sharing insight that can help protect the migratory routes of Wisconsin\u2019s birds.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.selva.org.co\/en\/programs\/migratory-ecology\/migration-in-the-neotropics\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”More about the Neotropical Flyways project” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”39,1″ show_author=”off” show_date=”off” show_categories=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#f6f3f2″ custom_padding=”||10px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Shelly Torkelson” position=”Director of Communications” image_url=”https:\/\/www.wisconservation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Staff-headshot-website-template-6.png” admin_label=”Contact – Shelly Torkelson” _builder_version=”4.9.2″ global_module=”21681″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n (608) 409-3113
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin<\/p>\n
Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin<\/p>\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/strong><\/h1>\n
Breaking Records, Saving Birds: Bird Protection Fund Announces 2022 Grants<\/strong><\/h2>\n
New this year<\/h3>\n
Bird Protection Fund Announces 2022 Grants<\/h3>\n
Advancing Bird Conservation within Wisconsin’s Important Bird Areas System<\/h4>\n
Capacity Building and Support for the Feminist Bird Club<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Connecticut Warbler Conservation Project<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Building Partnerships and Tools to Address Barriers to Bird-Friendly Actions<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Neotropical Flyways Project<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Outreach and Program Expansion for the BIPOC Birding Club of WI<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Piping Plover Conservation and Management<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Whooping Crane Reintroduction<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Southern Kettle Moraine Habitat Restoration for Grassland Birds<\/strong><\/h4>\n
$22,000 more #Forthebirds<\/h3>\n
More about the Birdathon<\/h3>\n
Project Highlight: Neotropical Flyways<\/h3>\n
More about conservation in Wisconsin<\/h3>\n
Shelly.Torkelson@WisConservation.org<\/a><\/p>\n