Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society (WCAS) Conservation Project Lab Update By Kurt Miske, Chair, Conservation Committee

Above: Amanda Sebrosky, Founder, Northeast Ohio Chimney Swift Conservation Society, provides an introduction to her project for the group at the January 2020 Lab. Photo by Betsey O'Hagan.

The Conservation Project Lab is a forum to generate and bring to fruition projects that promote the well-being of birds (and, therefore, plants and animals including humans) by means of conservation and education. Projects are generally expected to be self-sustainable, although they may need seed money. Now in its second year, the Lab is currently engaged in several projects.

Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society (WCAS) Conservation Project Lab Update
By Kurt Miske, Chair, Conservation Committee

The Conservation Project Lab is a forum to generate and bring to fruition projects that promote the well-being of birds (and, therefore, plants and animals including humans) by means of conservation and education. Projects are generally expected to be self-sustainable, although they may need seed money. Now in its second year, the Lab is currently engaged in several projects.

Native Plant Sales – This project strives to educate the general public about native plants, which are extremely important to our native birds, and to facilitate their planting. After a couple of moderately successful sales in 

Above: The WCAS Conservation Project Lab, Urban Birding Cleveland, Tremont Route sub-committee meets in January 2020 at Civilization Coffee House in Tremont, Ohio. Photo by Betsey O’Hagan.

2019, ​the plant sale committee is planning 2 more this year. We expect even greater results this year by building on our experiences from last year. The committee is currently endeavoring to locate a second supplier that can sell us plants on consignment as well as investigating other possible venues. The committee would welcome anyone who has input on these topics and/or would consider helping in other ways. Also, member Joe Reardon has put together a public speaker presentation. Trees to Shrubs for Pollinators, and is scheduling presentations.

Urban Birding Cleveland – This initiative actually has multiple facets. One committee is interested in mapping out routes in various communities. The first urban bird walk was held in Tremont during David Lindo’s recent visit. Because of this and due to the enthusiasm exhibited by Tremont’s civic leaders, the committee is starting with possible routes in a number of Tremont communities. A series of presentations to Tremont Block Clubs are being scheduled. The committee would like to add 3-4 volunteers to assist them in putting on these presentations (training included!).  Another committee is endeavoring to bring Urban Birding concepts and activities to school-age students. Preliminary work will be done in association with the Broadway Boys and Girls Club thanks to Monica Marshall. To facilitate this effort, UB Cleveland rack cards are being developed. Much more is in the planning stage. Other groups in the Greater Cleveland area are also being identified and contacted.

Chimney Swift Tower Project - Chimney swifts are in a serious state of decline here and world-wide (70% decline in the last 50 years) due in part to wide-spread removal of necessary breeding habitat. When most naturally occurring hollow trees were removed, the birds were able to adapt by using chimneys. Now, usable chimneys are in short supply. Amanda Sebrosky has been working on aiding chimney swifts for some time, and recently asked if WCAS could assist her in her efforts. WCAS had 2 immediate suggestions: that she use WCAS as a fiscal agent and that she bring her work to the Lab for further assistance. By WCAS becoming the fiscal agent, Amanda and other volunteers can apply for and accept donations without tax consequences. One tower is largely built and Amanda has contacts regarding locations for others. 

The Conservation Project Lab typically meets on the first Saturday of the month from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 6415 West Clinton Ave, Cleveland, Ohio. We encourage the general public as well as members of WCAS to attend and participate. We are always open to new ideas, so long as they help fulfill our mission, as well as volunteers and donations. Won't you join us? 

Event: WCAS Conservation Project Lab
Date & Time: Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 1:00 PM-3:00 PM.
Location: Bethany Presbyterian Church, 6145 West Clinton Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44102 Map
​Parking is available adjacent to the building and on West Clinton Ave.
Tickets: Complimentary Bird Friendly Coffee and Gypsy Beans Bakery. Free will donations are appreciated. Free Ticket registration is encouraged. Everyone is welcome.

Read the Event Announcement
Get Your Free Tickets  
Visit the Facebook Event Page

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