The American Bird Conservancy – $15,000

Forestry Technician Funding

In 2024 the American Bird Conservancy once again far exceeded its goals in producing and planting native trees– 52,388–to create migratory corridors in the Central Andes Birdscape of Colombia. It also went beyond its goal to engage farmers to participate in conservation projects by engaging 102 farmers in total. With such great results, we will continue to support ABC and its local partner in Colombia, Vivo Cuenca, to create winter habitat for migratory birds such as Golden-winged, Cerulean, and Canada Warblers. All three of these species, which pass through Indiana on their way to their breeding grounds, are facing population declines due to habitat loss. This year ABC’s goal is to protect the existing forest fragments and improve habitat quality and connectivity by planting native trees within coffee-growing landscapes. ABC is seeking support from Amos Butler Audubon Society for 10 months of salary for one forestry technician, a crucial project role, as well as funds to support other project staff.

Indiana Audubon Society – $1,275

Echoes of the Night Sky – Program

This grant will fund Indiana Audubon’s “Echoes of the Night Sky” program that focuses on monitoring nocturnal bird migration across Central Indiana.  This proposal aims to improve data collection, increase community participation, and provide a new, accessible platform for Hoosiers to engage with real-time nocturnal migration data.

Purdue University – $1,500

PFAS in Northern Saw-whet Owl Feathers Study

This grant will  cover the cost of testing for the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Northern Saw-whet Owl feathers. PFAS is the term for a group of chemicals which are persistent in the environment and bioaccumulate in wildlife such as owls. Besides collecting data on Northern Saw-whet Owls to better understand this cryptic species, the project aims to provide undergraduate students with opportunities to gain experience with natural resources fieldwork in an accessible and educational environment.

Purdue University – $800

Study of Eastern Towhee Migration in Central Indiana

This grant will cover one year of data processing for 4 MOTUS towers installed by Purdue. The initial research impetus for the installation of these Purdue University Motus towers was to conduct an Eastern Towhee breeding phenology project. The Purdue University Motus towers have also collected data from birds banded at research stations across North America, traveling from locations like Montana, Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.

Indiana University Kokomo – $8,000

Northern Saw-Whet Owl Migration in Central Indiana

This grant will continue to fund a research project tracking and monitoring the migration of Northern Saw-Whet Owls at Eagle Creek Park. This project will take advantage of the MOTUS towers that are to be installed at Eagle Creek Park and Fort Harrison. The research will improve understanding of the biological and ecological needs of Saw-Whet Owls in urban environments and help with targeted habitat management.

Indianapolis Parks & Recreation: Krannert Park – $1,681

Buying Binoculars for Programs and Events

This grant will fund the purchase of approximately 30 pairs of binoculars. The purchase will allow those interested in birding to have a resource to begin interacting with and learning about birds in the places where they live. The binoculars would be used for countless events, particularly those involving birdwatching at the park.

Conner Prairie Museum – $1,000

Black Birders Week

This grant will sponsor the second year of Black Birders Week (May 24-May 30). Black Birders Week is a dedicated week of virtual and in-person events and programs to uplift Black nature enthusiasts and highlight the visibility of Black birders in nature.

Keep Indianapolis Beautiful – $2,000

KIB Native Plant Nursery

This grant will support the funding of the KIB Native Plant Nursery which will provide native plants for KIB Greenspaces throughout Marion County. KIB plans to grow 23 species of native plants and 4,000 plants total

Marian University Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab – $2,500

Continued Community Involvement in Environmental Restoration

This year the grant will continue a multiyear, ongoing project using students to plant native trees and perennials in an urban gem. The restoration work will be led by the EcoLab Director, Dr. David Benson, EcoLab Science Director, Dr. Zachary Sylvain, and Taylor Lehman, the full-time Restoration Ecologist for the EcoLab. This year, the project will specifically focus on a lowland forest location used by Eastern Box Turtles and the prairie patches planned to be burned this spring (before planting). These plantings will provide excellent habitat for insects and the birds that feed on them in addition to improving the habitat for Eastern Box Turtles.

Hamilton County Parks & Recreation – $1,500

Habitat Restoration at Cool Creek Park

This grant will fund the work on restoring a three-acre riparian corridor inside the park with native plants.

Mud Creek Conservancy – $5,000

Restoration in the Blue Heron Nature Preserve

This grant will fund intensive restoration in the Blue Heron Nature Preserve along Mud Creek. This will specifically focus on 6 acres of the 12 acre reserve, where invasives have been removed and native plants need to be introduced.