– Organizations Encouraged to Submit Projects for Review
Waterfowl Chesapeake Inc. is proud to announce the establishment of its new Project Registry program initiative. The Waterfowl Chesapeake Project Registry is designed to identify and promote support for high value projects that advance the creation, restoration and conservation of waterfowl habitat in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and nearby coastal bays.
The Registry provides a comprehensive collection of pertinent projects that can be researched through Waterfowl Chesapeake’s online web platform, thus, expanding awareness and visibility to potential supporters and funders. The Project Registry will also serve as a tool to assist Waterfowl Chesapeake and its partners in making wise investments to ensure that abundant waterfowl thrive throughout the region.
“This is a significant milestone for Waterfowl Chesapeake as we introduce this new conservation initiative within the Chesapeake Bay region,” commented Waterfowl Chesapeake Board President, Ron Flohr. “We look forward to partnering with other organizations and funders to leverage our resources and maximize the impact on waterfowl and habitat conservation.”
Waterfowl Chesapeake is now encouraging submissions for the 2013 Project Registry. To qualify for this year’s Registry, a project must have a direct impact on the Delmarva Peninsula and must also address at least one of Waterfowl Chesapeake’s strategic priorities: Protecting and conserving critical waterfowl habitat and food resources; educating and involving citizens, landowners and policy leaders in community-based waterfowl conservation programs; increasing scientific understanding of issues affecting Chesapeake waterfowl; responding to sea level rise issues affecting waterfowl, especially those associated with climate change; and promoting public understanding and enjoyment of waterfowl through environmental education programs for the region’s students.
Organizations with projects or initiatives meeting the criteria are encouraged to submit their projects for review in advance of the September 16, 2013 deadline.
Once submitted, projects will be reviewed by Waterfowl Chesapeake’s Alliance for Waterfowl Conservation. Representing a broad cross-section of environmental expertise and diverse backgrounds, the 2013 Alliance includes current and former leadership from the Chesapeake Bay Office and the Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the U.S.G.S. Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, the Wildlife and Heritage Service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Ornithological Society and the Washington College Center for the Environment & Society.
“We are excited to convene this Alliance to review submissions for the Project Registry,” shared David O’Neill, Waterfowl Chesapeake board member and Vice President for Conservation Programs at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. “The diverse backgrounds and experiences of these organizations and individuals bring a wealth of knowledge to our review process and ensure that the projects listed on the Registry are positioned to make a big conservation impact.”
A selection of the most significant projects determined through Waterfowl Chesapeake’s review process will be highlighted at the 43rd Annual Waterfowl Festival, taking place November 7-10, 2013 in Easton, Md. More details about the Registry and submitting projects can be found online at www.waterfowlchesapeake.org, or by calling 410-822-4567.
About Waterfowl Chesapeake
The mission of Waterfowl Chesapeake Inc. is to create, restore and conserve waterfowl habitat throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and nearby coastal bays by engaging in collaborative, strategic initiatives with organizations, governments, corporations, foundations and individuals. Waterfowl Chesapeake focuses exclusively on waterfowl and wildlife habitat conservation, and is the primary beneficiary of the proceeds from the annual Waterfowl Festival. Since1971, proceeds from this yearly event have provided more than $5.3 million for waterfowl habitat conservation, education and research. Through Waterfowl Chesapeake, the organization will continue to raise support through annual appeals, grants and major gifts. For more information and to donate, please call Waterfowl Chesapeake Headquarters at 410-822-4567 or visit www.waterfowlchesapeake.org.