Become a BBRR Volunteer! Training Offered this Winter

Dates are set for the 2012 BBRR Volunteer Educator Training Course.  This is the seventh time this class has been offered to both new and veteran BBRR volunteers.  The class has been designed to prepare volunteers with background knowledge of raptors, the Braddock Bay area, and the projects of BBRR so that they may be better educators and ambassadors for BBRR.  The course is not a requirement for volunteers, but participation is highly recommended.

Anyone with an interest in raptors and Braddock Bay Raptor Research is welcome to register for the classes.  There is a registration fee to participate in the class, which covers the cost of class materials that individuals will receive throughout the course and upon its completion. For current volunteers and BBRR members (as of Dec. 2010), the fee is only $5.  For non-members the fee is $10.  If anyone who is NOT currently a member wishes to join BBRR (or renew their membership) AND take the training course, they can do so for $5 plus the cost of membership. Those individuals successfully completing all of the class requirements will be recognized as official BBRR Educators.

The class schedule is listed below, with the topics that will be covered.  All classes will be held at the lodge at Braddock Bay Park from 7-9 pm.  Two field trips are scheduled in March to supplement the classes and to provide volunteers with more of a hands-on experience.  If you are interested in becoming a BBRR volunteer and wish to participate in this course, contact BBRR at information@bbrr.org or 585-BOP-LIVE.

Class #1—January 19: BBRR History; Education Programs & Events; Raptor Basics

Class #2—February 2: The Braddock Bay Hawkwatch and Hawk Identification

Class #3—February 16: Raptor Banding—The How and Why, plus Tours & Demonstrations

Class #4—March 1: Owls of Braddock Bay—the Owl Woods & Habitat Management; Banding; Owl Prowls

Class #5—March 15: Wrap up and Graduation

Field Trips: March 17 Owl Prowl; March 24 to the Hawkwatch & Banding Station