A Day of Birding for Conservation

Be an EARLY BIRD and pledge your support now!

The countdown to the World Series of Birding on May 12, 2018 has begun. Our team, The Marshketeers, will join with other teams across New Jersey to raise money for bird conservation in this annual 24-hr marathon of birding. The more species we see, the more we can do for conservation.

In 2018, we want to change things up a bit in honor of the upcoming 50th Anniversary of The Wetlands Institute. As we reflect upon our history, we are reminded of the importance of place and the Institute’s place in the history of great bird research and conservation in our area. With that in mind, this year, The Marshketeers will participate in The Big Stay. This means we will tally as many bird species as we can see or hear from a single position on our property. Of course, we have chosen the iconic tower at the Institute. So our team will be up in the tower for 24 hours listening and looking for birds! Naturally we expect our tally to be lower than in past years, but are intrigued and by the challenge of counting as many species as possible in our neighborhood.

Do we have your support? This is an important fund-raising event for the Institute. In 2017, The Marshketeers saw 157 species, came in 3rd in the Cape May County competition, and raised more than $5,000 for bird conservation. We’ll need your support and at higher levels to match these results since we will be anchored in the tower.

As with past years, we’ll be on the lookout for our Bonus Bird, the Whimbrel. Proceeds will be used to support coastal bird research and conservative programs at the Institute. There are several ways to support us:

1. Pledging an amount per bird species identified, and mailing your contribution after the results are in for the year.
2. Contribute a fixed amount to send in right away.
3. Offer an additional pledge based on whether this year’s “bonus bird”, the Whimbrel, is spotted.

Sponsorships are also available. Call 609-368-1211 or click here for information.

Our Sponsors