How Ski Culture Set the Stage for Our Rosy-Finch Project
Rosy-finches gather at a bird feeder over two ski run signs at Alta, Utah. ©Alta Ski Area
Across the West, community scientists search snowy skies for a mysterious bird splashed with pink: the rosy-finch. As climate change and other potential threats to the bird's alpine habitats loom, the Rosy-finch Project looks at important questions to pave the way for future conservation.
A large number of participants come from a seemingly unrelated group: skiers. Read a recent story by Conservation Ecologist Janice Gardner to learn how tradition at a western ski resort set the stage for the project.
Prefer to listen? Check out KPCW's This Green Earth to listen to a recent interview with Janice on the details of the Black Rosy-finch Project.
A white rosy-finch? This bird is leucistic, a condition that results in the partial loss of pigmentation. A community scientist was graced by this special bird, which we believe is a black rosy-finch. ©Rob Tolley
If you aren't able to join us in the field this season but you'd still like to support the Black Rosy-finch Project and other conservation work, you can make a monthly or one-time donation. With your support, you'll join the dedicated group of donors making conservation possible in the West.
Volunteers of the Month
We're proud to announce our Volunteers of the Month, Rob Tolley and Noah Humphrey! On behalf of wildlife and lands, thank you to these volunteers, who have shown deep dedication to western conservation.
Rob Tolley - Wyoming
"I've always enjoyed contributing to citizen science projects. In 1964 I was one of hundreds of Midwestern school kids who tagged Monarch butterflies for Dr. Fred Urqhart's migration studies. That project, and its results, taught me the importance of engaging volunteer researchers.
We enjoy the winter in the Wyoming high country and getting out and about in all kinds of weather, and we're excited that the Rosy Finches like the cold conditions here as much as we do! Our feeders on the porch are visited by hundreds of Rosy Finches every day."
-Rob Tolley, Wyoming birder and a community scientist for our Rosy-finch Project
Noah Humphrey - Southern Utah
"I started volunteering because I wanted to spend some of my free time being helpful for the greater good. I hope to recruit a lot of volunteers and spread interest in monarchs and bumblebees!
I love to enjoy the beauty of these critters and hope that future generations can also get to enjoy them for years to come."
-Noah Humphrey (pictured working fires), a volunteer working to increase engagement on our Utah Pollinator Pursuit project in the southern region of the state
Know someone who has shown special dedication to our work? Tell us why they should be Volunteer of the Month by responding to this email.
A Few Things We're Excited For This Year
Thanks to our volunteers, donors, and partners, we're looking forward to some great things this year.
You can hear more about these and other exciting project-specific work by signing up to receive communications on the project pages for those you're most interested in.
What are you most excited to see on our projects this year? Respond to this email and let us know!
We're working hard for wildlife conservation in the West, and we need your help. Will you become a monthly donor to have a lasting impact on the wildlife and habitats you love?
Get Involved In Conservation
A rosy-finch survey at Alta, Utah
Want to get involved in wildlife conservation in Utah? Listen to a recent interview with Communications & Outreach Director Sarah Woodbury on KPCW's This Green Earth to learn the latest on our projects.
To learn more about our current projects and sign up to get involved, visit our project pages below.
Black Rosy-finch Project - Volunteer outside or monitor home feeder
Commitment Level: Moderate
Wasatch Wildlife Watch Image Analysis - Volunteer from home
Commitment Level: Easy - Moderate
Thank you so much for your support. This work is only possible because of your generosity.
Visit the project page on our website or connect with us on social media to learn more about our conservation work, and please contact us with any questions or suggestions.