May 10-11, 2013 marks our 13th annual Birding Challenge fund-raiser. We began very humbly in 2001 by raising a grand total of $262 and peaked in 2007 with a total of $5,038 in donations from individuals and businesses.

Throughout many generous donors have supported us with contributions. Also the Birding Challenge has benefited from the dedication of YCAS members who have reached out to invite the community for its support.

Our purpose in raising funds is to reinvest them in environmental education, conservation, and research projects in York County. The National Audubon’s Seabird Restoration Project on Stratton Island has been a major recipient of our efforts and has helped to bolster populations of Arctic, Roseate, and Common Terns in Southern Maine. The Center for Wildlife in York, which offers educational programs throughout the county, has been another important recipient of our Birding Challenge funds. Other projects funded by the Birding Challenge have included The Nature Conservancy’s restoration of the boardwalk at the Saco Heath, the solar project at Kennebunk Middle School, and many land trusts throughout the county.

We will be carrying on our tradition again this May 10, 5pm – May 11, 5pm, and hope you’ll join us. We need team members, team captains, and fund raisers. The more eyes and ears out there, the better! The more birds we see, the more funds we raise, the more money we will have to disperse to York County conservation efforts. So consider how you can join in this important effort.

Please contact Linda Eastman at 286-9586 for more information.