Anonymous Donation Boosts Conservation Fund!
Our heartfelt thanks to a very special member who recently sent an anonymous donation of $10,000 to support GBT’s conservation work! Your generous donation is greatly appreciated both by us and by the beautiful birds whom you are helping to keep alive in our region.
Brooklyn Bird Club Raises $11K for GBT Land Conservation
Brooklyn Bird Club’s decision to make Grassland Bird Trust (GBT) the beneficiary of their annual birdathon fundraiser inspired a record 52 people of all ages to take to the fields, woods, and waters to count birds for science! Held in May on Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Global Big Day, the event raised over $11,300 for GBT’s land conservation project(s).
According to Brooklyn Bird Club President, Dennis Hrehowski, this was the second highest amount raised in the club’s 20+ year history! Thanks to all BBC board members and volunteers who supported this effort to protect critical habitat for grassland birds!
“Habitat loss is one of the greatest threats facing global Avian populations and as government regulations are rolled back it has become clear that designations such as ‘forever wild’ only apply until these parcels of land are monetized, as has happened from South America to New York. Helping to place these vital habitats in the caring hands of non-profits such as GBT may be the best way to keep these critical habitats safe until we as a nation return to our senses and commit to protecting our natural heritage. Thank you to the GBT for all you do for our feathered friends.” – Dennis Hrehowski.
First Annual Farm Feast Hits Goals!
Grassland Bird Trust’s exciting and first farm-to-table dinner raised almost $11,000 for GBT’s work!
When severe thunderstorms threatened Sunday, August 1’s event, Hosts Sandy and Paul Arnold, owners of Pleasant Valley Farm (PVF) in Argyle, NY, rose to the occasion just hours before the event was to begin, and gave nearly 100 registered guests the option of attending dinner on Monday instead. The event was a terrific hit on both days.
“I can’t stress enough: this was a spectacular event, so well done, with fantastic food, a wonderful bird program and the most beautiful venue ever!” – Karen Chapman.
Guests enjoyed seeing and learning about a variety of owls, hawks and falcons from The Wildlife Institute of Eastern NY’s Trish Marki while feasting on fresh and local products donated by area farms. The eclectic menu included stuffed nasturtium blossoms and spanakopita, mini fish cakes and haddock in lemon sauce, tender braised beef brisket, grilled chicken in tomato basil sauce, quinoa with veggies and black beans, and blueberry crumble with ice cream. Pleasant Valley Farm donated their labor, the chicken and all the organic veggies!
The funds from this fundraiser and our anonymous donor will be used to help Grassland Bird Trust establish a Legal Defense Fund. This Fund is required for GBT to receive accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance. The Land Trust Alliance is the national umbrella group for hundreds of land conservation organizations in the U.S. Accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance signifies that GBT abides by “best in class” standards and practices for land trusts. Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping GBT “graduate” to the level of accredited land trust!
Special thanks to Sandy, Paul, and the Arnold family and staff, Chef Danielle Kirkpatrick, Stewart’s Shops, Lily and the Rose Catering, Mack Brook Farm, Hicks Orchard/Slyboro Ciderhouse, Argyle Brewing Company, Comfort Kitchen, Winney’s Farm, Battenkill Creamery, Rock Hill Bake House, Adirondack Winery, and GBT’s Event Committee, board, staff and volunteers for making Farm Feast 2021 such a huge success!