Kestrel Box Training
Our partners, the Rivanna Master Naturalists, are sponsoring a two-part training program in kestrel monitoring that is taking place at Ivy Creek! Sharing their expertise in kestrel box installation and monitoring, Lauria McShane from the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative (VGBI) and Alan Williams from the Old Rag Master Naturalists plus others will teach about American kestrel biology, habitat, and nesting periods, as well as strategies to meet the notable decline in grassland bird populations. This team will collaborate with participants to establish a monitoring program, with Lauria overseeing protocols, landowner contracts, the Nestwatch App, and data collection methodology. This approach is modeled after grassroots citizen science efforts like the Black Bear Project…you become an educator as well as an enactor, working at various locations.
NOTE: You must be able to take both parts, Jan. 29 and Feb. 21, to participate fully in the program, which will not be time-intensive.
Reserve your place or ask questions directly with Rivanna Master Naturalist President Sherri at westcotefarm@yahoo.com or (310) 614-7251.