Photo: Morgan Peterson
Tina Dudley and Libby Lyons
ASNV is excited to announce the official launch of Nextgen Birders for Conservation (Nextgen). This new program aims to cultivate the next generation of birders and conservationists by providing opportunities for younger birders to meet, socialize, learn, and bird together.
In the 2016 “Birding in the US Report,” the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service found that the average age of a bird watcher in the United States was 52 years old, and the greatest number was in the 55+ age group. As ASNV looks to the future, we see the need to engage more young birders to carry the torch of conservation, citizen science, and education. Inspiring the “next generation of naturalists and conservation advocates,” is a key goal in ASNV’s newly adopted strategic plan.
This is where Nextgen comes in. To reach younger audiences, ASNV is hosting Nextgen on Meetup, a platform for finding and building local communities. Here is the link to our page on Meetup.
Nextgen aims to connect young birders, including any young people who enjoy wild birds, with their peers. We welcome people who are new to the hobby, loaning out binoculars during our events to beginners. Since the beta launch in April, Nextgen has attracted over 65 members with various levels of birding experience. Members include new birders, nature enthusiasts, photography hobbyists, aspiring ornithologists, natural resource professionals, and experienced bird walk leaders.
Nextgen outing at Leopold’s Preserve. Photo: Morgan Peterson
The Nextgen event schedule will include a mix of activities and formats, both peer-focused events and events where Nextgen members will join regularly scheduled ASNV programs. Upcoming events include backyard birding on Lake Audubon and a Wingspan game night. Most Nextgen events include a social component to encourage connections and to counter the isolation some younger birders feel when enjoying a hobby more commonly practiced by an older generation.
The Nextgen leadership team includes Adam Jenkins, Tina Dudley, Emerson Milam (a member of ASNV’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee) and Andreana Lin. Introduce yourself to the newest member of the leadership team, Andreana Lin, in this member spotlight. We are optimistic that as the group grows its members will join ASNV in promoting conservation and citizen science projects. We encourage Nextgen members to consider volunteering on an ASNV committee or joining our Board of Directors.
Help us make the Nextgen Birders for Conservation group a success. The group is targeted at younger people with an interest in birds, birding or conservation. Join us and steer younger birders you know in our direction. We also are looking for a few birders with 5+ years of birding experience who can serve as mentors. Interested individuals can sign up as mentors here.