Migratory species play unique ecological roles because of their intrinsic beauty and significance in culture and identity. Despite this, bats, birds, butterflies and dragonflies face a multitude of threats both in the US and in Latin America and the Caribbean where they migrate during the winter. If these habitats are not protected, the tremendous US domestic investment in conserving these species is wasted.
An award ceremony for conservation of birds, bats and butterflies was recently held in Atlanta. The 2012 Wings Across the Americas event paid special tribute to partnerships that contribute to conservation efforts.
Successful conservation work typically happens through partnerships—recent award-winning projects were no exception. All of the Forest Service employees receiving awards shared the stage with partners from a myriad of organizations. They included universities, volunteer and conservation organizations as well as private firms. Awards were given this year in categories of: international research and partnership; research and partnership; habitat and management; bat conservation; butterfly conservation and, for the 2nd year, for urban communities in conservation.
To view the list of awardees visit: http://www.fs.fed.us/global/wings/birds/awards.htm