By Kari Berger

Resource Development Coordinator at Carmel-Clay Parks and Recreation

Carmel-Clay Parks and Recreation 2024 Birdathon Grant Report

Title, Goals and Objectives of Project: Binoculars for Nature Education and Appreciation

CCPR is grateful for Amos Butler Audubon Society’s Birdathon Grant in 2024 which supported our Binoculars for Nature Education and Appreciation project. We planned to purchase 20 pairs of binoculars with 8×42 magnification before December 31, 2024. Our goal: provide high-quality birding education classes with user-friendly binoculars for each participant.  

Project Completion: We purchased the binoculars while continuing to offer our usual classes and Citizen Science programs. These recreational and educational programs are ongoing.  

Measuring Effectiveness: To track our effectiveness, we maintain records of program participants. As of December 2024, five months after purchasing binoculars, CCPR saw the following participation numbers: 

Staff class: 15 

Master Naturalist: 25 

Summer Camp: 34 

Total: 74

Degree Attained Goals: We purchased the appropriate binoculars at the anticipated price point, which met our primary objective. We continue providing birding programs and expect to continue offering these classes well into the future. The total number of participants is about what we expected after five months, as we originally estimated 200 participants would use the binoculars in programming after 12 months. The binoculars did not arrive until late July 2024, reducing Summer Camp participation.

Problems Encountered: We did not experience any problems.  

Opportunities for Enhancement: CCPR’s birding programs have been so popular that residents requested additional sessions. We plan on offering more classes for the public and possibly begin working with Scouting groups.  

Additional Funding/Partnership Since Initiation of Project: In an unexpected development, we developed new partnerships internally. CCPR’s Culture Committee requested a staff-only birding class as a direct result of receiving the ABAS Birdathon Grant. Many of the 15 participating staff members experienced birding for the first time.

Featured Image by CCPR