This year the Birdathon
will begin May 6th
and last until May 14th
giving participants nine days to pick a period of time in which they
can maximize their efforts. Put your team together and start planning your route for your “Big Day!"
Prizes will be awarded to those teams
(or individuals) that garner the most sponsors and donations. We know
that some people have difficulty asking anyone for money but remember
you are not pandering for yourself - you are working on behalf of two
organizations that operate on a shoestring and yet provide our
community amazing benefits with regard to our environment. We are
likely sailing into troubled waters these next four years and groups
like the RRAS and the NEC will be at the forefront of the fight
helping to guard our resources and threatened ecosystems.
Tim McKay worked his entire adult life
as Director of the NEC and waged battle after battle on our behalf
against those that would overuse our resources for short sighted and
immediate profit. He began the local Birdathons back in the 80s’
and we trust that his motto: “Endless
pressure; Endlessly applied” will stand for the continuing work we
must all help accomplish.
The Birdathon will benefit the NEC and RRAS equally.
Western Bluebird - Photo: © Rob Fowler
What is a Birdathon? : It is similar
to a walk-a-thon, but with this you raise money from sponsors based on the number of bird
species that you identify within a 24-hour time frame. Anyone can
participate in a birdathon, from expert birders to beginners. It is a
fun and educational event for all ages.
When: The
2017 Tim McKay Birdathon will be held during the week of May 6 - 14 to
allow groups or individuals the freedom of picking any 24 hour period to
participate.
Why: Birdathon
proceeds benefit the NEC and RRAS equally. The NEC and RRAS do a
tremendous amount for our community. They work on a shoestring and
succeed only with determination, devotion and aid from great volunteers.
For over 40 years, the NEC has served as a vital hub for information
and programs that involve, inform and inspire residents with regard to
environmental issues that matter most Tree Swallow - Photo: © Rob Fowler
on California’s North Coast. From
watershed awareness and climate action to beach
cleanups and celebratory
all-species parades, the NEC has been at the forefront for all of us.
RRAS is an all volunteer organization. We
coordinate the leadership of weekly and monthly bird and nature walks,
write and publish The Sandpiper (which comes
packaged with EcoNews),
provide educational programs for local teachers and schools, host
topical speakers once a month, address local conservation issues, and use reserve funds to help purchase
at-risk properties for the improvement of habitat for birds and humans.
|
 Golden-crowned Kinglet- Photo: © Rob Fowler
|
How:
You can register as a team (usually 2-6 folks per team) or as an
individual. Team names are both fun and helpful!
Print out copies of the
pledge forms for your teammates and have every team member obtain
pledge donations from friends, family, businesses or strangers. Make sure they
follow up to collect the funds! Please contact the Northcoast Environmental Center at nec@yournec.org or by phone at (707-822-6918) to register your team.