CONSERVATION - COMMUNITY - DIVERSITY EFTA coordinates the largest conservation-focused migratory bird event in the Western Hemisphere, World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD). We offer a variety of educational programs as well as diversity internship programs. Learn more at www.environmentamericas.org
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Adolescents/Youth (13-19 years)
Children (4-12 years)
Teachers
Amigos Alados connects youth in Mexico and California in the study and conservation of the migratory birds that we share.
Between 2007 and 2019, Amigos Alados has grown from serving 80 children (four classes at two schools) to serving 858 children (35 classes in 15 schools) in California and Mexico. Along with its bilingual pen pal program, Amigos Alados delivers ornithology workshops and naturalist-led bird observation walks to participating classes. Teachers say that participating in the program leads their students to greater cultural and environmental awareness and appreciation. Students who have participated in the program in Mexico report that they urge family members to release caged wild birds and that they would never use slingshots to kill birds, which is a popular sport there. Amigos Alados students become advocates for birds and the environment in general.
Animal-Related
General population
Environment for the Americas coordinates research and education on declining populations of migratory hummingbirds. Rufous Hummingbird, an avian dynamo, travels from Alaska to Mexico, bombarding our feeders along the way. Populations of this spirited hummingbird, however, have been declining rapidly, and we're trying to learn why.
Through the Western Hummingbird Partnership, which EFTA coordinates, we have helped to fund research and education projects in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Our work has motivated hummingbird education programs, a study of the impacts of fire on hummingbirds, and an assessment of Rufous Hummingbird research.
Animal-Related
Ethnic/Racial Minorities -- Other Specified Group
Young Adults (20-25 years)
Adolescents/Youth (13-19 years)
Gaining skills in bird research, community education, collaboration, and more is critical to the next generation of conservationists. EFTA coordinates internship opportunities that provide these skills, with a focus on underserved youth. Our participants participate in 10 week to 5 month internships, gathering data on shorebirds, hummingbirds, and more at sites across the United States. Our training programs provide them with career-building skills that will launch them into careers in natural resources, research, environmental education, and more.
Evidence of success is identified, as described, by the interns' continuation in the field of natural resources or other focus identified during their internship, by their pursuit of a graduate degree, and/or by their continued employment in similar fields.
Environment
Adults
Children ages 5 to 21
Ethnic/Racial Minorities -- Other Specified Group
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is the largest hemispheric celebration of migratory birds, focusing on the spectacular journeys birds make, the threats they face, and how everyone can help to protect them. In the Western Hemisphere, WMBD is hosted at more than 700 sites from Canada to Argentina and the Caribbean. It engages hundreds of thousands of youth and adults in bird walks, presentations, habitat restoration projects, and much more.
Evidence of program success is illustrated by the continued growth in participation, both on the part of host organizations and by community members.
Education
Ethnic/Racial Minorities -- Other Specified Group
Team Naturaleza connects diverse families to the outdoors in Washington's Central Valley. Snowshoeing, birdwatching, hiking, and service projects on public lands are just a few of our activities. Your contribution supports our work and makes new connections for conservation.
Team Naturaleza grew from EFTA's work to engage diverse audiences at programs in natural areas across the U.S. It now has a coordinator and regular programming that motivates local participation from youth, adults, and families.
