Use local contacts to benefit your participants.

Many teachers and group leaders have worked together with local institutions or organizations to help broaden their students’ experiences. In addition, some have had success finding corporate sponsors who can donate time, materials, or money for the groups’ activities.

The various Citizen Science projects also have been successful public relations stories, resulting in news coverage in local newspapers and TV or radio programs.

Here are suggested ways of making good use of your local resources:

• Natural history and science museums often have displays about birds or archives of bird specimens that you may be able to tour. Museums may also consider giving discounted memberships to your participants.
• Bird/raptor rehabilitators and zoos give regular programs about birds, or may allow you to tour their facilities. Some of these organizations also allow you to "adopt" (sponsor) an animal, or work behind the scenes.
• Local bird clubs and Audubon societies may have members who are interested in presenting programs or leading your group on a bird walk. Or, you might offer to have your group do a presentation for one of their meetings!
• Art museums occasionally have exhibits on nature or bird art and programs about nature photography or drawing.
• Public libraries may have rare or unusual collections of bird art or bird identification guides.
• The Lab of Ornithology has citizen-science ambassadors in many regions who may be available to give a presentation on Lab projects.
• Hardware and feed stores, local corporations, and local foundations have, in many cases, made contributions from birdseed to binoculars, or even cash, to support these kinds of educational projects.
• News releases sent to local newspapers and news programs have been very successful for highlighting groups’ activities. Contact us if you would like a sample press release.

Please be sure to send us a copy of any news items that describe your bird-related or Citizen Science activities!

Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Education Department
159 Sapsucker Woods Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850