2009 IOS Grant Sponsors & Awards
The 2009 IOS Grant Program received 11 grant requests. As a result of the generosity of several groups and individuals, a record seven $500 grants were awarded. Thanks to the following for their help:
The Illinois Ornithological Society funded two $500 grants
The Southern Illinois Audubon Society funded one $500 grant
Bob and Karen Fisher, Vicky Sroczynski, and John Burke funded a $500 grant
The DuPage Birding Club funded two $500 grants
The Chicago Ornithological Society funded one $500 grant
The 2009 grant sponsors and recipients are:
- The Illinois Ornithological Society (1). Jessica Pascoe, Meeting of the Rivers Foundation, Alton, IL. Grant to pay for prizes for the Bonkers For Birds Coloring Contest. This contest introduces children to birding, aspects of scientific research, and the concept of biodiversity. A Bonkers for Birds field guide booklet is printed using the art work submitted by the children. Last year over 400 students participated.
- The DuPage Birding Club (2). Nicole M. Davros, University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign, Urbana, IL. Study the effects of density-dependent factors such as competition, predation, and disease on bird populations. Field experiment will study a population of Prothonotary Warblers in the Cache River Wetlands. Project was started in 2008.
- The DuPage Birding Club (3). Keriann Dubina, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL. Investigate how frequently Brown-headed Cowbirds depredate host nests and if they discriminate between host and parasitic eggs. Continues research started in 2008.
- The Illinois Ornithological Society (4). Jeffrey M. Fox, University of Illinois Graduate College at Urbana/Champaign, Urbana, IL. Study the reproductive success of Sandhill Cranes in Northeastern Illinois. Sandhill Cranes have been successful in increasing reproductive rates in Northeastern Illinois. This study will try to determine the factors contributing to this success.
- Bob and Karen Fisher (5). Daniel Elbert, University of Illinois/Illinois Natural History Survey, Champaign, IL. Vicky Sroczynski and John Burke Study four components - habitat use, diet, nest success and natal philopatry patterns - and of the Loggerhead Shrike population at the former Savanna Army Depot. Help determine the best management practices for Loggerhead Shrike success.
- The Southern Illinois Audubon Society (6). Matt Mckim-Louder, University of Illinois/Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois Champaign, IL. Conduct a Swainson's Warbler census in Southern Illinois. Data will be used to help determine Audubon management and conservation needs and strategies.
- The Chicago Ornithological Society (7). Kimberly Meyer Ramirez, Governors State University, Frankfort, IL. Measure nest predation rates and identify nest predators using artificial nests along a restoration gradient at Bartel Grasslands. The purpose is to try to determine the best management techniques to optimize nesting success.
IOS grants are available to anyone conducting a bird and/or birding related project in Illinois. If the project is already underway, a grant request for additional funds to assist with its completion may be submitted. Contact Denis Bohm for more information.