Sponsors

Up to this point the banding program has been funded by Derek and Carol Matthews who have borne all the costs of nets, infrastructure and other equipment personally but as the banding program grows and evolves it has become clear that VARC will need some help to take it to the next level to create our vision of having a year round, professional banding program in Vancouver.

We are actively seeking sponsorship and funding to significantly increase the scope of the banding operation at the Colony Farm Station. This will include additional infrastructure and the installation of a new building which will act as a banding laboratory to provide a better banding environment with a small interpretive centre for visitors to the site.

Our mission statement is to stimulate interest in wild birds and nature by using birds in the hand as teaching tools, to train volunteers and interns in association with university study programs and to educate the public and raise awareness of environmental issues particularly as they relate to birds.

We have a unique opportunity to achieve this by establishing a year round, professional banding operation to provide research, demonstration, education and volunteer opportunities, and visitor services in the heart of Vancouver’s major metropolitan area. All monies raised will go directly towards this goal.

We would like to thank several groups who have already provided their support:

• MetroVancouver Parks (MVP) - For their support and encouragement of the banding program and for the use of their classroom facility for our Bird Monitoring and Banding Workshops.

• The James L. Baillie Memorial Fund – For their grant program to assist with the construction of the Banding Pagoda at our Colony Farm Banding Station

• British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) – Particularly Bob Gunn and the Fish, Wildlife and Recreation Program for the use of classroom facilities for our Bird Identification Workshops.

• Wild Birds Unlimited – John & Wendy Morton for generously providing seed for our feeder stations.

• Spectrum-Canada Mortgage Services Inc. - Carol Matthews for generously allowing Derek to take time off work to band birds!

• Deco Signs – For the use of their amazing workshop and sign printing facilities.

• The Home Depot Burnaby - For help with discounts for materials and equipment.

• And to all the VARC volunteers who have very generously given of their time and money.

The birds of the world are in serious trouble and common species are now in decline all around the globe. Migratory birds are suffering the most precipitous decline of any animal group on earth. Successful conservation requires information on the population status of all species to ensure the survival of endangered birds and to manage common species so they never become threatened.

If you would like to donate to Vancouver Avian Research Centre’s Bird Research and Banding Program please click here: