New Program Appeal

 

For this appeal, we have a goal of raising an additional $100,000 for new program support with a commitment that 100% of the money we raise will be used for activities that will benefit both the school children and our friends and neighbors locally.

 

Through the generous support of donors, the Friends of TREC has been able to approve several initial projects funded by the New Program Appeal.

 

 

 

Festival of the Birds at Presque Isle occurred May 6-8, 2011 and was a huge success! More than 100 individuals at the festival celebrated International Migratory Bird Day and enjoyed the height of spring bird migration at Presque Isle, a natural concentration point along the Atlantic flyway where 320 species of birds have been recorded. 

 

Attendees took part in workshops and field trips geared for the beginner and the seasoned naturalist led by experts in the field. TREC was a key location for workshops, a keynote address, & great networking! The Presque Isle Audubon Society and the PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources did an excellent job hosting the festival!

 

 

  

 

On May 11, 2011 Environment Erie hosted the annual Earth Action Youth Summit. The event took place at various locations at Presque Isle State Park and the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC). Funds were used towards the transportation costs of students attending the summit.

 

Joining the celebration were hundreds of students and educators from local schools who have completed an Earth Action project this school year. Student projects include activities such as greening school yards, reducing energy usage, planting gardens, lessoning nonpoint source pollution, and engaging community members and local government officials on environmental topics. 

 

The workshops were designed to deepen the students understanding of the natural world, were presented by partnering organizations and individuals dedicated to the Earth Action process of service learning and civic engagement. In addition, the students were recognized for their achievements through an award ceremony and student presentations about their individual projects. 

 

Click here for a short video from local news coverage at the event.

   

 

 

In August 2011, more than 120 people are expected to attend the Purple Martin Conference hosted by The Purple Martin Conservation Association. The conference will include practical workshops, presentations on Purple Martin research and conservation programs, and ceremonies recognizing individuals and organizations that have made the significant contributions benefiting Purple Martins. 

 

With the support of the Friends of TREC, The Purple Martin Conservation Association is addressing the decline in the Purple Martin population, especially in the Great Lakes region and Pennsylvania.