One of IOS’s objectives is “To promote scientific research and education in order to improve knowledge and awareness of birds in Illinois”. The IOS Grants Program was initiated in 2004 to support this objective with grants awarded to projects relating to birds and/or birding in Illinois. Including this year’s grants, a total of 7 grants totaling $26,950 have been awarded.
The 2012 IOS Grant Program received 11 grant requests. As a result of the generosity of groups and individuals seven grants were funded. In addition to IOS provided funds, thanks to the following for their generous help:
- Bob and Karen Fisher, Vicky Sroczynski and John Burke
- The DuPage Birding Club
- The Kane County Chapter of the Audubon Society
- And Joan Norek, Jeffery Smith, Robert Shelby, Marsha Steffen, Steve Fluett, Jean and Bob Spitzer
Thanks again to Steve Bailey and Jeff Walk for reviewing and ranking all the requests. With so many worthy projects this was no easy task. Congratulations to the winners and watch for their project articles in future issues of The Meadowlark.
| # | Amount | Name/Organization | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | $1,000 | John Andrews U. of I – Champaign |
Heterospecific (Social attraction between species) information use and habitat selection in Grassland birds: An experiment with Eastern Meadowlarks. |
| 2. | $1,000 | Evan Glynn Eastern Illinois University |
Study the songs and responses of Black-capped Chickadees, Carolina Chickadees and hybrid Chickadees. |
| 3. | $975 | Valerie Buxton U of I – Champaign |
Making the most of what remains: Determining urban grassland quality in Illinois. Assess how grassland patch size and landscape context affect grassland bird occurrence, abundance and nest success. |
| 4. | $1,000 | Kelly VanBeek U of I – Champaign |
Effects of alternative tillage practices on bird populations in Illinois. |
| 5. | $1,000 | Chris Kirkpatrick Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation |
Funding to help pay for a June 22-23, 2012 Bio-Blitz at Wapello Land and Water Reserve in Hanover, IL. In conjunction with the Field Museum. |
| 6. | $500 | Melissa Sunder Wildlife Prairie State Park |
Purchase binoculars for the Park’s youth programs. A variety of nature classes are taught for all age ranges. The Park also participates in various bird counts, International Migratory Bird Day, etc. |
| 7. | $500 | Tyson R. Dallas U of I – Champaign |
Determine what habitats and habitat features are associated with breeding and foraging of Red-headed Woodpeckers in Western Illinois. |