The Board will continue to fund two scholarships of $400 each for the bird banding training offered by Center for Natural Lands Management. This training has taken place every summer since 2013 in Glacial Heritage Preserve.
Kim Adelson reported on her efforts to apply for grants to fund more bird-watching backpacks which will be donated to Timberland Library branches. Library patrons are able to check these out to use on bird watching outings. One grant has been submitted; three more are possibilities.
Kim and Deb Nickerson have met with an elementary school teacher in the Shelton School District to see how BHAS can assist her with curriculum revolving around a native plant garden and avian studies. This teacher would welcome monthly visits from our volunteers to assist with lessons and garden improvements that would attract birds. The Board sees this as the start of a new Adopt-A-School effort for our organization.
A report was made on the Annual Dinner which is March 2nd at the South Puget Sound Community College. Involved with this was a summary of the survey that was included in our end of year fundraising letter. The most responses were in support of local environmental advocacy. Following that was environmental education and efforts to benefit birds in general.