spent nearly $45 migration and wintering areas to the need for chemical pesticides. billion on their ensure habitat and populations; Some bats are critical pollinators activities. otherwise, investments we make and seed dispersers for plants, Birds are indica- here at home for many with great economic value tors of national will not be enough for us to see such as the durian (high-priced and international common migrants in the future. Asian fruit), or the agave (source environmen- of tequila), closer to home in tal health and Wings Across the Americas in- . trends. Unfor- vests in international conservation tunately, many and uses Forest Service experi- Protected bat colonies all over bird populations ence and expertise to improve the world have become popular are significantly bird conservation at home and and valuable tourist attractions. declining due abroad. Scarce Federal dollars A colony in downtown Austin, TX, The US Forest Service—National to habitat loss, are leveraged through partner- adds some $10 million tourist dol- Forest System, State & Private climate change, development, ships with other agencies, non- lars a year to the local economy. Forestry, Research & Develop- fragmentation, invasive species, governmental conservation orga- The city boasts that it is the “Bat ment and International Pro- and other causes both here and nizations, local communities and Capital of America”. grams—works with a wide range abroad. private/corporate sources, both of partners here in the United in the United States and abroad, Bats are threatened worldwide. States and overseas to conserve The 193 million acres of National to ensure long-term sustainable Populations are in alarming habitats and populations of birds, Forests and Grasslands man- projects that benefit birds through- decline because their colonies bats, butterflies and dragonflies. aged by the US Forest Service out their range. and habitats are destroyed both are critical to maintaining bird intentionally and inadvertently. Conserving Priority Birds populations. However, more than Conserving Bats Worldwide Development, agriculture, climate Wildlife watching is an increasing- 350 bird species migrate to Latin Bats are vital to the health of eco- change, and lack of scientific un- ly popular American activity--and America and the Caribbean each systems and human economies derstanding of bat ecology lead to birding represents the lion’s share. year. on our world wide. As primary preda- the inadvertent destruction of their More than 71 million people, age nation’s forests and grasslands tors of night-flying insects, bats habitat. With more than 1,200 16 and older, fed, photographed is not sufficient. Conservation is consume enormous quantities species, bats account for nearly a or observed wildlife in 2006 and needed range-wide, in breeding, of agricultural pests and reduce quarter of all mammals, but they wings across the americas 6 are among the least studied. In fact, population migration of the monarchs, as well as threaten its Wings Across the Americas status and conservation needs of most bats have population. Current land use practices in the Unit- Program: never been documented. Tragically, their popula- ed States and in northern Mexico are degrading tions also suffer from intentional destruction due to the pathways. There are fewer milkweed plants (for Supports habitat conservation myths and misinformation. larvae) and nectar resources (for adults) available, activities on National Forests and hence, fewer suitable breeding sites. Further- and Grasslands, and from Wings Across the Americas is working to assist more, in Canada and the United States, land use Canada’s Boreal Forest to the in bat research, conservation and farming practices (i.e. Grasslands and of management and capacity pesticides and herbicide South America; building to maintain healthy resistant crops) are un- ecosystems in our National friendly to milkweed. In the Organizes an annual awards Forests and Grasslands, as over wintering areas, habitat program to recognize conser- well as provide Forest Service is threatened by deforesta- vation partnerships involving expertise and experience for tion and pressure exerted Forest Service employees bat conservation internationally. by human settlements, like and their cooperators; Our investment at home and in areas around the Mon- abroad increases our scientific arch Butterfly Biosphere Provides training opportuni- knowledge of bats and creates Reserve. There, local com- ties for biologists, land man- a cadre of trained scientists munities greatly depend on agers and administrators; and managers to bring about both the Monarch and the Participates in national and positive conservation action for forests for their livelihood international conservation an important group of mam- and identity. initiatives; mals that is often ignored by conservation planners. As part of the Wings Across Enables partners and For- the Americas program, the Forest Service is est Service employees to Conserving Monarch Butterflies working with partners to address habitat issues become more knowledgeable The Monarch butterfly, while not endangered, is in in Canada, the US and Mexico for the Monarch, about global conservation serious decline. The loss of habitat on the wintering through the Monarch Joint Venture and educational needs. grounds and in the breeding areas is a continuing and outreach efforts for inner city youth and7 wildlife concern. In fact, this loss could severely affect the biologists.

www.fs.fed.us/global

7 Protecting Dragonflies and Habitats Although dragonflies are an endless source of fascination, they have received lit- tle attention from biologists. Consequently, little is known about them. Flying over , streams and rivers, these charismatic species are derived from an ancient order of insects that emerged 300 million years ago. Fossil records show that little has changed in their design over time. Dragonflies are efficient predators. They use their extendable lower lip and teeth to snag mosquito larvae, tadpoles and even small fish. They are used as indicator species for assessing habitat and water quality in wetlands, riparian forests and lakeshore habitat around the world. In North America, citizen monitoring networks—involving teachers, school groups, birders, nature societies and other partners—are forming to gather infor- mation and to collect data on dragonflies.

In North America, there are 9 migrating dragonfly species. There is not, however, much information on the natural history or ecology of their migration. The best known of these nine species is the Common Green Darner, which travels south in thefall and whose offspring return in the spring. Various reports have specified sightings of the Common Green Darners in Chicago, IL; Cape May, NJ; Crescent Beach, FL; and Veracruz, Mexico.

Through the Wings Across the Americas program, the US Forest Service is exploring the development of a flyway level collaborative project that will increase the awareness of the importance of dragonflies and their habitats as well as link projects and partners in Canada, the United States and Mexico for research, monitoring, capacity building, outreach and education. Recently scientists and conservationists with an interest and expertise in migrating dragonfly research convened to discuss issues related to its migration in Canada, Mexico and the United States. A Migratory Dragonfly Action Plan that includes research, citizen science and education priorities related to migration, range shifts due to climate change and conservation of key habitats in North America is being developed. wings across the americas

forested land. It Nature Conservancy. was initiated with a two-year grant Vermont is the ideal location for a proj- from US Forest ect such as this one because the state Service State and is a hotspot for breeding Neotropical Private Forestry, migrants, including three species on with matching the national Watch List: Olive-sided contributions from Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, and Canada Audubon Vermont Warbler. Each of these species has and workshop specific habitat needs that can be met participants. through the forest management tech- niques promoted by Foresters for the The project is Birds. based on the knowledge that The partnership organized four work- forest manage- shops across Vermont with a total of ment can be used 112 participants, including 66 consult- Wings Across the Americas recognizes to maintain or improve forest breeding ing foresters, all of Vermont’s county Foresters for the Birds–an innovative, habitat conditions for Neotropical mi- foresters, and 11 state lands foresters. successful, and on-going partner- gratory birds. The work of the partner- Two-thirds of the foresters attended ship between Audubon Vermont and ship promotes the use of ecologically more than one workshop and are now Vermont Forests, Parks & Recre- based, stand-level silvicultural tech- assessing bird habitat while conducting ation—with the Habitat Management niques among private landowners who timber inventories. More than 50,000 and Partnership Award. This program would otherwise be uninterested in or acres of forest land on 77 privately- is designed to provide the tools and against traditional forestry practices. owned properties received habitat training that foresters and other forest Local community involvement in the assessments by Audubon conserva- professionals need to help private land- project included members of the Ver- tion biologists. Participating foresters owners integrate timber and Neotropi- mont Land Trust, Vermont Woodlands collectively manage more than 1 million cal migratory bird habitat management Association, Vermont Coverts, Merck acres of private forest land in Vermont. practices to protect and enhance Forest and Farmland Center, and The One-third of landowners who were

HABITAT MANAGEMENT & PARTNERSHIP AWARD 10 reached through the program implemented ing natural disturbances, and maintaining forest bird management practices in the structural complexity and a diversity of age management plans for their properties; classes. and another 60 percent of landowners said they planned to do so in the future. As a direct result of this project, Natural Resources Conservation Service in Ver- Foresters for the Birds includes develop- mont developed a forestry conservation ment and distribution of a four-part toolkit: practice for improving breeding habitat for interior forest birds which Vermont land- • “Birds with Silviculture in Mind: Birder’s owners can now apply for funding. Forest- Dozen Pocket Guide for Vermont Forest- ers for the Birds also serves as a catalyst ers” for similar initiatives throughout New Eng- • “Silviculture with Birds in Mind: Options land and has led to another grant award for Vermont Foresters” to the partners by US Forest Service State • “Guide for Incorporating Bird Habitat and Private Forestry to establish forest Data into a Forest Inventory” study areas demonstrating silvicultural ac- • “Songs of the Forest” CD of forest breed- tivities that can benefit Neotropical migra- ing bird songs tory birds. The National Audubon Society is now working to expand this program to This project meets the conservation goals other forested states in the Atlantic Flyway of the Vermont State Wildlife Action Plan as part of its strategic goal to implement and fulfills the requirements for interna- full-life cycle bird conservation across the tional sustainable forestry certification pro- Americas. grams. In addition to the positive impact it has on migratory bird populations, it also addresses the habitat needs of many other wildlife species by developing and evaluat- ing forestry practices that improve habitat. Some important practices include retaining coarse woody debris and snags, emulat-

Foresters for the Birds 11 Award Winners • Michael Snyder, • Roger Monthey, Certificate Recipients Vermont Department of Northeastern Area, • Jim Shallow, Forests, Parks, and Forest Stewardship • Steven Sinclair, Audubon Vermont Recreation Program, State & Vermont Department of Private Forestry, Forests, Parks, and • Steve Hagenbuch, • Nancy Patch, US Forest Service Recreation Audubon Vermont Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and • Mike Huneke, • Ginger Anderson, • Kristen Sharpless, Recreation Northeastern Area, Vermont Department of Audubon Vermont Forest Stewardship Forests, Parks, and Program, State & Recreation • Katherine Manaras, Private Forestry, Audubon Vermont US Forest Service

HABITAT MANAGEMENT & PARTNERSHIP AWARD | Foresters for the Birds 12 11 The Great Alaska Earthquake of 2009. These declines in population and In response to these declines, the 1964—which registered a magnitude breeding success prompted the U.S. Dusky Canada Goose Nest Island of 9.2 on the Richter scale—trig- Fish and Wildlife Service to identify Partnership was initiated in collabo- gered landslides and avalanches and Dusky Canada Goose as a focal spe- ration with Ducks Unlimited Inc. to destroyed large swaths of land. The cies for conservation. Additionally, it is increase and protect artificial nest quake damaged the nesting habitats the top-ranked species on the Alaska islands for Dusky Canada Geese of the Dusky Canada Goose and al- Audubon Watch List and is listed as a in their primary nesting area on the lowed nest predators easier access US Forest Service sensitive species. Copper , which is located to goose nests. As a result, the goose The overall management goal for this on the Cordova Ranger District of the population has decreased from a high species is between 10,000 and 20,000 Chugach National Forest in Alaska. of over 28,000 birds in the mid-1970s birds. The US Forest Service, with direction to a low of fewer than 7,000 birds in from Alaska National Interest Lands

HABITAT MANAGEMENT & PARTNERSHIP AWARD 14 Conservation Act, manages this area for the conservation of Although most of these geese breed in the Copper River fish and wildlife and their habitats. Delta, the majority winter in the Willamette Valley of Oregon and southern portions of Washington State near the Colum- Research on the Copper River Delta has shown that breeding bia River. Migrating birds often stop in the Queen Charlotte success on artificial nest islands averages almost twice the Islands and Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Formerly, rate of success of nests located on shore. Therefore, one of these geese provided for sport and subsistence needs of the key actions identified by the partner- residents along the flyway. Now, the low ship is the placement of 250 additional population numbers have led to restric- nest islands—the maximum number tions on the take of these geese. Thus, possible given the available area and the work of the partnership in a small part the need to spread the islands out. The of Alaska affects geese and people in a most successful islands are those that are much wider region. 40 meters or more from shore, contain approximately 50% brush cover at one Wings Across the Americas honors the meter in height, and are approximately 2.5 Dusky Canada Goose Nest Island Part- square meters in size. They can raise or nership with the Habitat Management and lower in response to water level, and they Partnership Award. The award recognizes don’t have a substrate that can grow that the research and management of this vegetation. The life expectancy of each population is a multi-organizational effort artificial nest island is 30 years. that includes the Chugach National For- est, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Using these criteria, 117 new nest islands Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, have been installed, with an expected re- Washington Department of Fish and sult of about 190 additional Dusky Canada Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Goose goslings per year. Once all 250 (Regions 1 and 7), and Ducks Unlimited. new nest islands are in place, approximately 406 goslings will These conservation partners have developed an interagency be produced annually, which should at least allow for popu- management plan for Dusky Canada Goose through the lation maintenance at 5,000 individuals when added to the Pacific Flyway Council. The US Coast Guard, Lyndon Trans- existing gosling production. portation, USGS Biological Research Division, Alaska, and Oregon State University provide additional support.

Dusky Canada Goose Nest Island Partnership 15 Award Winners • Don Kraege, Certificate Recipients Washington Department • Erin Cooper, of Fish and Wildlife • Tom Fondell, Chugach National Forest, Biological Research US Forest Service • Tom Rothe, Division, US Geological formerly of Alaska Survey • Jason Fode, Department of Fish and Chugach National Forest, Game • Jim Holley, US Forest Service Alaska Marine Lines/ • Dan Logan, Lynden Transport • Tom Dwyer, formerly of Chugach Western Regional Office, National Forest, Ducks Unlimited Inc. US Forest Service • LCDR Jeffrey Owens, US Coast Guard • Brad Bortner, • Robert Trost, Pacific Region, US Fish and Wildlife • LT Bernard Garrigan, US Fish and Wildlife Service Service US Coast Guard

• Eric Taylor, • AMT2 Brian Dugal, Region 7, US Coast Guard US Fish and Wildlife Service

• Krystyna Wolniakowski, Western Partnership Office, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

• Bradley D. Bales, formerly of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

HABITAT MANAGEMENT & PARTNERSHIP AWARD | Dusky Canada Goose Nest Island Partnership 16

the species a flagship for landscape-scale conserva- tion. Survival of a large and regal species such as the Golden Eagle signals that the eastern United States can support healthy popula- tions of a variety of wildlife species close to areas with large human populations. The Eastern Golden Eagle Working Group works to identify gaps in knowledge, prioritize research needs, promote science-based conservation and manage- The population of the the survival of this species. Award. This Group—an ment actions, increase Golden Eagle in the eastern Little is known about the ba- international collaboration public and governmental United States is sparse. sic ecology and demogra- of biologists and wildlife awareness, and coordinate Although there are as many phy of the Eastern Golden managers from more than the activities of managers as 35,000 individuals west Eagle. Consequently, there 20 institutions in the USA and biologists. of the Mississippi River, is a great deal of concern and Canada, including there are significantly fewer regarding its conservation the US Forest Service—is Since its inception in 2010, to the east; in fact, as few status. dedicated to studying the the Eastern Golden Eagle as 1,000 – 2,500 exist in Eastern Golden Eagle and Working Group has had the region. To make matters Wings Across the Ameri- improving its management. a number of successes. worse, a variety of factors— cas honors the Eastern The objective of the Work- One of its most important including urbanization, Golden Eagle Working ing Group is to ensure the achievements has been habitat loss, wind turbines, Group (www.egewg.org) long-term sustainability the publication of an as- transmission corridors, and with the Research and of Eastern Golden Eagle sessment of the status of lead poisoning —threaten Management Partnership populations and to make the Eastern Golden Eagle

RESEARCH MANAGEMENT & PARTNERSHIP AWARD 18 in The Auk (2011), the and research efforts for org) that shares images journal of the American Golden Eagles in the Ap- captured at the camera Ornithologists’ Union. As a palachian region. trapping sites and en- result of this paper and the courages additional vol- work of the Group, eastern Another successful activity unteers to join the effort. states and provinces have of this Working Group is the The reach of the pro- increased their focus on “camera trapping” program. gram has also extended Golden Eagle conservation. About 200 volunteers and to future generations of Members of the Eastern organizations have sup- biologists and ornitholo- Golden Eagle Working ported 150 trail camera gists, as teachers use Group have also promoted stations across the east- the Working Group’s the responsible develop- ern USA. These cameras Golden Eagle data and Certificate Recipients ment of wind energy across capture images of eagles images in the classroom • Keith L. Bildstein, eastern USA and Canada. and other predators and and share lesson plans with Center for Conservation When irresponsibly imple- scavengers and will allow other educators through the Learning, Hawk Mountain mented, methods of har- researchers to evaluate the website. Sanctuary nessing wind energy can population status not only of • David Brandes, present a major threat to Golden Eagles, but also of Award Winners Department of Civil and Envi- the viability of the species. other species including Bald ronmental Engineering, Additionally, researchers Eagle, Red-shouldered • Todd Katzner, Lafayette College and managers have docu- Hawk, eastern spotted Northern Research Station, • Dan Brauning, mented migratory patterns, skunk, fisher, and bobcat, US Forest Serice, and Pennsylvania Breeding Bird West Virginia University, Atlas, Pennsylvania Game flight behavior, key habitats among others. Commission of concern (contiguous for- Division of Forestry and Natural est), and new threats (e.g. The Eastern Golden Eagle Resources • David F. Brinker, lead poisoning). The Work- Working Group has also Natural Heritage Program, ing Group has also been developed outreach efforts • Charles Maisonneuve, Maryland Department of Natural working with Appalachian to share its images and Ministère des Ressources Resources Naturelles, Direction de Mountains Joint Venture information with the public. • Robert P. Brooks, and other regional groups It has developed a web site l’expertise Faune-Forêts-Terri- Riparia, The Pennsylvania State to coordinate conservation (www.appalachianeagles. toire du Bas-Saint-Laurent University

Eastern Golden Eagle Working Group 19 • Tony E. Chubbs, • Ulgonda Kirkpatrick, • Scott Somershoe, Canadian Department of National Defence Region 4 Migratory Bird Program, Wildlife Resources Agency US Fish and Wildlife Service • Jeff Cooper, • Charlie Todd, Virginia Department of Game and Inland • Craig Koppie, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Fisheries Chesapeake Bay Field Office, Wildlife US Fish and Wildlife Service • Carol Croy, • Joe Tomcho, George Washington and Jefferson National • Dave Kramar, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Forests, US Forest Service Virginia Tech University Commission • John Curnutt, • Mike Lanzone, • Junior A. Tremblay, Eastern Region, Cellular Tracking Technologies, LLC Ministère du Développement durable, de US Forest Service l’Environnement, de la Faune et des Parcs, • Mark Martell, Québec • Andrew Dennhardt, Audubon Minnesota West Virginia University • Bryan D. Watts, • Scott Mehus, Center for , • Adam Duerr, National Eagle Center College of William and Mary West Virginia University • Trish Miller, • Kendrick Weeks, • Chris Farmer, West Virginia University North Carolina Wildlife Resources Tetra Tech, Inc. Commission • Elizabeth K. Mojica, • Guy Fitzgerald, Center for Conservation Biology, • Maria Wheeler, Faculté de médicine vétérinaire, Université College of William and Mary Duquesne University de Montréal • François Morneau, • Rolf Gubler, Consulting Biologist Shenandoah National Park, National Park Service • Kieran O’Malley, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources • Sergio Harding, Virginia Department of Game and Inland • Brady Porter, Fisheries Duquesne University • Mark Hopey, • Brian Smith, Southern Appalachian Raptor Research Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture, American Bird Conservancy, • Christine Kelley, US Fish and Wildlife Service North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

RESEARCH MANAGEMENT & PARTNERSHIP AWARD | Eastern Golden Eagle Working Group 20

on the migration paths and years, these baseline eco- wintering locations of the logical investigations have Northern Black Swift. Only turned into studies on the a few records exist outside migratory paths and winter the breeding season—and destinations of the Northern none from the wintering Black Swift. grounds. One reason for the challenges in studying this Wings Across the Americas species is that field iden- honors Kim Potter, Jason tification outside of North Beason, Carolyn Gunn America has been difficult: and their partners with the Black Swift is very similar Research and Management in appearance to other Partnership award for their swift species in Central and work on Black Swift Migra- South America, and swifts tion and Wintering Grounds fly extremely rapidly and at Investigation. Together, they a high altitude. have worked to protect this rare bird species during Kim, Jason, Carolyn, and the summer months and to their partners have worked discover its migration and diligently to find the secret winter habitats. For more than 10 years, and volunteers) to piece nesting locations of the Kim Potter of the White together baseline ecological Black Swift in Colorado, To track the birds, Carolyn River National Forest has data on the Northern Black including on cliffs behind Gunn created a “bird back- been working with biolo- Swift, a rare subspecies waterfalls and in moist pack” and attached a small, gist Jason Beason from the found in the mountains of caves. These efforts have lightweight, battery-powered Rocky Mountain Bird Ob- Colorado. yielded data on nest site geolocator, newly devel- servatory and veterinarian conditions and the species’ oped by the British Antarctic Carolyn Gunn from Colo- Unlike many other Neotropi- high fidelity to breeding Survey. Thin ribbons of rado Parks and Wildlife (as cal migratory birds, infor- colonies and individual nest Teflon fit around the body well as other organizations mation has been lacking sites. Over the last several of the swifts, with wings

RESEARCH MANAGEMENT & PARTNERSHIP AWARD 22 laced through the straps. staff at the Rocky Mountain species, having proven that The weight of the entire Bird Observatory. the fate of the Black Swift geolocator plus the back- breeding in Colorado is in pack is about 1.5 grams, or All three birds were tracked fact tied to the fate of Ama- 3% of the bird’s weight. The to a remote rainforest in the zonian rainforest. geolocator contains a light state of Amazonas in west- sensor that records ambient ern Brazil, approximately Award Winners light levels at fixed intervals 4,300 miles from their and allows for calculation of Colorado nest sites. These • Kim Potter, longitude and latitude each three now comprise the first White River National day. records of this species in Forest, US Forest Service that country. Through the After walking in and car- geolocators, researchers • Jason Beason, rying ladders, nets, and discovered that the birds Rocky Mountain Bird ropes to reach the hidden migrated quickly, covering Observatory nest sites inside the Flat on average 244 miles/day Tops Wilderness and in over 18-23 days. Deforesta- • Carolyn Gunn, Box Canyon near Rifle and tion in the state of Amazo- Colorado Parks and Ouray, Colorado, Kim and nas, Brazil, is estimated to Wildlife her partners captured four increase rapidly in the next adult Black Swifts and fitted several decades, potentially Certificate Recipients them with geolocators in resulting in a 30% loss of August 2009. Taking ad- forest cover by 2050 and • Robert A. Sparks, vantage of the Black Swifts’ threatening the popula- Rocky Mountain Bird Ob- nest-site fidelity, the team tions of migratory birds like servatory returned the next summer the Black Swift, as well as • James W. Fox, and successfully recaptured endemic, local species. This Migrate Technology Ltd. 3 of the 4 original birds. The study creates a new op- information from the geolo- portunity to develop interna- • Todd Patrick, cators was then analyzed tional conservation planning Todd Patrick Photography by Jason Beason and his for the preservation of these

Black Swift Migration and Wintering Grounds Investigation 23 • Rocky Mountain Bird • Chuck Reichert, Observatory formerly of Colorado Parks and Wildlife • Colorado Chapter of the Wildlife Society • Bruce Cousens, Georgia Basin Ecological • Richard G. Levad Assessment and Memorial Fund and the Restoration Society Levad Family • Danielle Morrison, • Colorado Field Ornithologists Georgia Basin Ecological Assessment and • Black Canyon Audubon So- Restoration Society ciety • Grand River Health • Evergreen Audubon Society Perioperative Services Department • Grand Valley Audubon Society • Hugh and Urling Kingery • Roaring Fork Audubon • Lily Patrick Society • David Elwonger • Sue E. Hirshman, Citizen Scientist • Andrea Robinsong • Rick Noll, • Bill Schmoker City of Ouray • Natasha Goedert, Blanco Ranger District, US Forest Service

RESEARCH MANAGEMENT & PARTNERSHIP AWARD | Black Swift Migration and Wintering Grounds Investigation 24

“BatsLIVE! A Distance Learning Adventure” of the general public. Outreach techniques in- in the eastern United States. It also helped is a comprehensive education and outreach cluded innovative distance learning methods participants understand the role of citizens, program that encourages innovative partner- and multi-media technology, including live public land management agencies, and non- ships through a variety of events to reach webcasts, websites and live webinars, along governmental organizations in protecting and more than 220,000 people with high-quality, with more traditional outreach techniques conserving habitat. engaging information on bat conservation. such as field trips, presentations, publica- Using distance learning methods, the part- tions, and other written materials. The program was delivered during the United ners presented a series of live webinars and Nations Environmental Program’s Interna- live webcasts, offered through a dynamic web The project emphasized the ecological signifi- tional Year of the Bat. In addition to education platform (http://BatsLIVE.pwnet.org). Be- cance of bats and their dependence on cave and outreach, the programs also encouraged cause of these successes, it is the winner of and karst ecosystems, educating participants participants to take action to help bats, by the Wings Across the Americas’ Bat Conser- about the vital role that bats play in our en- building bat boxes, becoming community vation Award. vironment. Many bats eat large quantities of bat “champions,” or becoming more actively insect pests. Other species pollinate impor- involved in bat conservation efforts. Beginning in 2010, the US Forest Service tant plants, allowing them to reproduce. Still The BatsLIVE! partnership reached more convened a coalition of federal and state land others eat fruits, disperse their seeds, and than 220,000 people through the BatsLIVE! management agencies, educational institu- help the plants colonize new habitats. website and six educational programs. The tions, and non-governmental organizations to first live webcast featured Rob Mies, of the plan, implement, and evaluate a comprehen- BatsLIVE! built awareness, understanding, Organization for Bat Conservation, and five sive bat outreach and education project. The and appreciation of bats and the conserva- of his bats—from a tiny vampire bat to a aim was to reach several key audiences such tion challenges they face, with a special focus Malayan flying fox. The second webcast was as children, educators and land management on White Nose Syndrome (WNS), a spread- broadcast live from Bat Conservation Interna- professionals, as well as interested members ing disease that is currently afflicting bats tional’s Bracken Bat Cave in Texas, bringing

BAT CONSERVATION AWARD 26 the spectacle of the evening emergence of Award Winners millions of Mexican free-tailed bats to viewers across the country. • Dennis L. Krusac, Southern Region,US Forest Service The online BatsLIVE! platform is easily ac- cessible from classrooms, libraries, nature • Cynthia Sandeno, centers, museums, and individual homes. Northern Region, US Forest Service Each of the programs is now available as an archive on the website, ensuring that the ef- fectiveness and impact of BatsLIVE! extends • Elise Snider, beyond the 2012 “live” component. Rocky Mountain Research Station, Evaluation was a key component of each US Forest Service program component. The evaluation as- sessed student learning based on pre- and • Prince William Network, post-tests. On average, students scored 49% Prince William County Schools correct in the pre-test and 73% correct in the post-test, validating significant learning as • James Eggers, a result of their participation in the program. Bat Conservation International Quite notably for the agency, there was an in- crease of 27% in the percentage of students • Fran Hutchins, who learned the name of the Forest Service! Bat Conservation International Strong partnerships have been the corner- stone to the success of BatsLIVE! At least • Rob Mies, 50 individuals, representing more than 17 Organization for Bat organizations, generously contributed their Conservation time, talent, and treasure to this partnership with both in-kind and cash contributions. • Ann Froschauer, Though the initial project objectives are now US Fish and Wildlife Service complete, the group is still working together to generate exciting innovations in bat con- • Georgia Jeppesen, servation and education. US Fish and Wildlife Service

BatsLIVE! 27 • Chelsea McKinney, • Kimberly Winter, • Lea’ Bonewell, Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air & Fort Collins Science Center, US Fish and Wildlife Service Rare Plants, US Geological Survey US Forest Service • Randy Robinson, • Ted Weller, US Fish and Wildlife Service • Sue Cummings, Pacific Southwest Research Conservation Education, Station, US Forest Service US Forest Service • Eliza Russell, • Melody Wood, National Wildlife Federation • Dianne Odegard, San Antonio Zoo • Sarah Ornstein, Bat Conservation International DesignsbySarah • Dr. Richard Toomey, • Patti Pride, • Jim Kennedy, National Park Service & • National Wildlife Federation National Environmental Bat Conservation International Mammoth Cave International Center for Science and • Dr. Jacqueline J. Belwood, Education Foundation • Dr. Daniel Doctor, Learning Georgia Highlands College US Geological Survey • Carol Zokaites, • David Schmid, • Jane Knowlton, Office of Communication, Virginia Department of • Nathaniel Hawley, Southern Region, US Forest US Fish and Wildlife Service Service US Forest Service Conservation and Recreation • Brian Pope, • Greg Butcher, from Prince William Network, from Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air Lubee Bat Conservancy International Programs, Prince William County Schools US Forest Service • Ben Swecker & Rare Plants, US Forest Service: • Michelle Tamez, • Kristy Liercke • Anne Zimmerman Research and Development, • Doug Holy, • Richard Shahan • Chris Iverson US Forest Service Natural Resources • Joe Long • Bart Young • Sandra Frost Conservation Service • Bradley Phillips, • Mollie Rosenburg Black Hills National Forest, • Terrell Erickson, • Sam Altman Certificate Recipients US Forest Service Natural Resources • Gabrielle Altman Conservation Service • Tim Tewalt • Organization for Bat • Kirk Navo, • Angela Carey Conservation Colorado Parks and Wildlife • Deana McAllister • Kimberly Winter, • Melissa Payne • Shelly Grow, • Dan Neubaum, Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air & • Anita Biroonak Association of Zoos and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Rare Plants, • Mike Davis Aquariums US Forest Service • Mark Derflinger

BAT CONSERVATION AWARD | BatsLIVE! 28

Public awareness and concern are crucial components of migratory bird conservation, and IMBD has been one of the most suc- cessful vehicles for public education on mi- gratory birds. Participants go on bird walks, sing songs, paint pictures, wear costumes, watch speeches and plays, compete for prizes, eat chicken, sign petitions, pick up trash, remove non-native invasive plants, plant native plants, build ponds, and more. Bird Day fosters enthusiasm for birds, informs people threats, and empowered to become involved in addressing those threats. These reinvigorated participants can make a tremendous contribution to maintaining healthy bird populations.

Agencies, organizations, schools, muse- ums, zoos, and other diverse groups with International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) grown to be the catalyst for more than 570 direct contact with visitors take the lead in celebrates and highlights the importance of separate events per year, reaching tens hosting IMBD celebrations. These events one of the most spectacular events in the of thousands of people. The main objec- are often held in areas set aside for wildlife, Americas: bird migration. Bird migration tive of IMBD is to prompt annual festivals such as parks, national forests, refuges, is a worldwide phenomenon, but is espe- and activities throughout the continent, but and other places where wild birds can be cially spectacular in North America, where year-round awareness and education are seen firsthand. IMBD celebrations are also about 10 billion birds fly up to 20,000 miles the sought-after outcomes. IMBD focuses a perfect fit for indoor classrooms or urban round-trip each spring and fall. Because its attention on the life of a migratory bird – settings. Teachers, interpreters, tourism migration covers such a vast area, migra- its journey between its summer and winter boards, and shop owners celebrate IMBD tory birds face unusual risks and require homes – and in the process has become a in order to share information with their au- safe habitats throughout their routes. strong voice for bird conservation through- diences and create the next generation of Bird Day is celebrated in Canada, the out the Western Hemisphere. As a result of bird stewards and conservationists. United States, Mexico, Central and South its 20 years of success, Wings Across the America, and the Caribbean. IMBD was in- Americas honors IMBD with the Interna- In the course of its twenty-plus years of stituted in 1993 by visionaries at the Smith- tional Conservation Award. existence, IMBD has inspired celebrants sonian Migratory Bird Center, and it has to develop a wide variety of activities to

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITIES IN CONSERVATION AWARD 30 wildlife artists, conservation-related activ- • Chris Eberly, ity guides and booklets, music, banners, Department of Defense Partners in Flight and more. Downloadable materials, such as event flyers, press kits, and additional • Janet Ruth, teaching activities, are also available. US Geological Survey

IMBD officially takes place on the second • Carol Beidleman Saturday in May in the U.S. and Canada and in October in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean each • Peter Stangel year. But IMBD reminds groups that "every day is bird day;” therefore, IMBD is cel- • Joni Ellis, ebrated almost year-round. Optics for the Tropics

• Susan Carlson, raise appreciation and concern for birds. Award Winners These activities are most often designed EnvironMentors for the general public, especially families; however, they also target local birders and • Susan Bonfield, Certificate Recipients other advocates who can serve as citizen Environment for the Americas scientists and local decision-makers who • Peter Boice, are instrumental in site protection. Many • Russ Greenberg, Department of Defense events are focused on birds, science, and Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center • Dwight Fielder, conservation, but the arts, games, con- Bureau of Land Management tests, and good food play an important role • Carol Lively, as well. formerly of International Programs, • Jerome Ford, US Forest Service US Fish and Wildlife Service An expanding catalog of IMBD-related products, offered each year through Envi- • Mary Deinlein, ronment for the Americas, provides effec- • Alicia King, Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center tive tools for bird education and inspiration Migratory Bird Program, throughout the year. From the catalog, US Fish and Wildlife Service • Kim Winter, celebrants can obtain outreach and edu- US Forest Service cational products that include posters and • Geoffrey Walsh, • Mike Rizo, t-shirts portraying artwork by well-known Bureau of Land Management International Programs, US Forest Service

International Migratory Bird Day 31 • Rachel Feigley, • Heather Murphy, • Pine Woods Gallatin National Forest, ¡Team Naturaleza! Audubon US Forest Service • Jeffrey Cantrell, • Barr Lake State Park • Cheryl Carrothers, Missouri Department of • Rocky Mountain Bird US Forest Service Conservation Observatory

• Lisa Sorenson, • Stephen Frye, • Klamath Bird Society for the Conservation Wild Bird Center, Observatory and Study of Caribbean Birds Boulder, Colorado from the US Fish and • Sheylda Diaz, • Sonja Macys, Wildlife Service: • Roseburg District Office Society for the Conservation Yampatika • Campbell Creek Science Center and Study of Caribbean Birds • Region 1 • Lower Gorge Visitor Center • Natural Resources • Region 2 • Anthony Levesque, Department, Confederated • Region 3 from the US Forest Service: Society for the Conservation Salish and Kootenai Tribes • Region 4 and Study of Caribbean Birds • Region 5 • Salmon/Scott River Ranger • Patuxent Wildlife Research • Region 6 District • Samuel Lopez, Center, US Geological Survey • Region 7 • Prescott National Forest Museo de Aves • Region 8 • Coronado National Forest • ProAves Colombia • Patuxent Research Refuge • Chugach National Forest • Ted Cheskey, • Missisquoi National Wildlife • Gallatin National Forest NatureCanada • Birds of Vermont Museum Refuge • Helena National Forest • Pisgah National Forest • Jennifer Wheeler, • Blue Jay Point County Park from the Bureau of Land • Cibola National Forest Migratory Bird Program, Management: • Umpqua National Forest US Fish and Wildlife Service • Effigy Mounds National • Leadville Ranger District Monument • Yaquina Head National • Medicine Bow – Routt • David Case, Monument National Forests D.J. Case & Associates • Great Salt Lake Bird Festival • Spokane District • Klamath National Forest • Buffalo Field Office • Orleans Ranger District • Sara Lara, • Reedy Creek Nature Center • Sheri Whitfield • Ukonom Ranger District American Bird • San Pedro Riparian Conservancy • Salinas Pueblo Missions National Conservation Area National Monument • Palm Springs Field Office • Edwin Juarez, • Darren Williams, Arizona Game and Fish Pariette Wetlands Department

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITIES IN CONSERVATION AWARD | International Migratory Bird Day 32

WINGS ACROSS THE AMERICAS

a us forest service program to conserve birds, bats, butterflies and dragonflies

un programa para conservar aves, murciélagos, mariposas y libélulas

un programme pour la conservation des oiseaux, des chauves-souris, des papillons et des libellule

All the photos in this booklet were contributed by the award winning projects as well as partners, including Bat Conservation International, US Fish and Wildlife Service and Forest Service employ- ees. Credit for the hummingbird and dragonfly photos go to Carlos Soberanes-Gonzalez and Dennis Paulson, respectively.

To view photos from the 2013 awards ceremony, please visit www.fs.fed.us/global/wings/.