Yukon Bird Observatories Open
Volunteers Needed, Visitors Welcome
July 23rd – September 23rd
It’s that time of year again, both the Albert Creek (ACBO) and Teslin Lake (TLBO) Bird Observatories will be opening for the fall season on July 23rd. The bird observatories collected standardized bird migration data using a variety of methods including mist netting/banding, visual counts and census routes. This allows for an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and learn how to identify the various species.
Both stations will be open daily until September 23rd and hours of operation are from sunrise for 6 - 7 hours. This fall will constitute the 10th and 3rd consecutive years of operation for Albert Creek and Teslin Lake, respectively.
Keep in mind that both stations are always open to the public and we encourage interested individuals to visit the stations. As always, we are in need of volunteers to assist with our day to day operations, particularly at Teslin Lake. Regardless of your experience handling or identifying birds, there is something you can help with. For people who are planning to volunteer for more than a few days, it is possible to provide training in handling the birds as well.
Direction to the Stations
ACBO is located approx 15 km west of Watson Lake, to access the site take the road immediately to the west of the Albert Creek bridge and then keep to the right. Note - there is no turnaround for large vehicles (RVs).
TLBO is located immediately adjacent to the Teslin Lake Government Campground approx 12 km northwest of Teslin. Park at the large brown cook shelter in the campground and follow the trail near campsite #19 which leads down to the lake shore. Follow the shoreline to the point where the banding area is located.
For further information or if you would like to volunteer for an extended period of time, please contact myself or Ted at the following;
Email - teslin.bird.banding@gmail.com or plus@northwestel.net
Phone - 867-334-2683 or 867-332-4208
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Ben Schonewille & Ted Murphy-Kelly
Station Managers
Yukon Bird Observatories
RCEN Launches Eco Jobs, Events and Volunteering
The Canadian Environmental Network (RCEN) is excited to announce the launch of three new services, in partnership with Planetfriendly and GoodWork Canada:
- Eco Events Calendar http://calendar.rcen.ca/
- Eco Jobs Board http://jobs.rcen.ca/
- Eco Volunteer Opportunities http://volunteer.rcen.ca/
Along with news and information from the environmental NGO sector, the RCEN website now features these dynamic, user-driven resources to help connect Canadians of all backgrounds with rewarding opportunities.
Getting Involved Just Got Easier:
- Find the most relevant, up-to-date environmental events and opportunities;
- Post your events and opportunities where they'll be seen by Canada's environmental community, non-profit groups and green businesses of all sizes.
- To post an event or opportunity, just use the submission form (e.g. go to http://jobs.rcen.ca and click "Add a Job"). RCEN member organisations receive a 10% discount when posting job opportunities.
Yukon Environmental Training Fund (YETF)
The goal of the Yukon Environmental Training Fund is to support training, retraining, upgrading and improving of occupational skills of those employed by Yukon’s environmental groups or individuals working on environmental issues and activities in the Yukon.
Contact the Yukon Conservation Society for information (ycs@ycs.yk.ca or 668-5678 or visit http://www.yukonconservation.org/AboutYCS/AboutYCS.html)
Yukon Conservation Society
Volunteers Needed
YCS representative on the Yukon Environmental Network (YTEN) board of directors. This position involves a commitment of attending one meeting a month at YCS plus participating in a small amount of correspondence and decision making. YTEN is an affiliate member of the Canadian Environmental Network and its main purpose is to network and share information between its members and the rest of the country, and to build local public awareness of environmental issues.
Office Assistant. YCS is looking for someone who can commit at least 2 hours a week, on a regular schedule, to provide reception and perform various office tasks. This position would be best suited to someone interested in working in an office setting, working with the public. No prior experience required. Training will be provided. And, Best of all, we now have a nice bright office for this volunteer! Also, if you cannot commit to a regular schedule we are also looking for random helpers to assist with things like office organization and filing.
If you are interested please contact:
Georgia Greetham
Office Coordinator
Yukon Conservation Society
302 Hawkins Street, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 1X6
ph: 867-668-5678
fx: 867-668-6637
www.yukonconservation.org
YCS pursues ecosystem well-being throughout the Yukon and beyond, recognizing that human well-being is ultimately dependent upon fully functioning healthy ecosystems.
City of Whitehorse
Environmental Fund
2010 Application Deadline October 15th
Eligible projects must contribute to the Whitehorse Sustainability Plan including environmental education; waste reduction; preserving and/or enhancing land, air, water or wildlife; demonstrating innovative technologies and environmental leadership. Eligible applicants include non-profit societies, community groups and businesses. Funding consists of 50% of total project costs (if your project costs less than $500, we will consider funding 100%). Note that $25,000 is available annually through the City Environmental Fund.
For more information contact the City of Whitehorse Environmental Coordinator at 668-8312, environment@whitehorse.ca, www.whitehorse.ca.