3rd Wildlife Viewing & Nature Tourism Academy

I Bird NY was announced in the 2017 New York, State of the State and launched later that spring at the unveiling of a new observation viewing tower in the City of Utica, NY. The goal of I Bird NY is to bring new participants to outdoor recreation, specifically those close to urban and suburban areas, through birding. NYS is working to build on the increasing opportunities to access the state's vast natural resources through promoting birdwatching as a low-cost, accessible way to explore and connect with nature. As part of the implementation of I Bird NY, a multi-pronged initiative was launched, which includes development of new materials for beginner participants to get started bird watching; a central website with getting started resources; promotion of guided bird walks and experiences; and improvements to signage at priority Bird Conservation Areas near urban and suburban areas to better identify opportunities for the public to bird watch. After the initiative was announced, Adventure NY outreach staff worked with Division of Fish and Wildlife biologists to develop a birding challenge that encouraged New Yorkers from each region of the state to identify birds not only in their hometowns but to visit public lands and find new species. Participants in this session will learn how to run beginner bird-watching programs, identify simple ways to incorporate wildlife viewing in existing programming and how to collaborate across agencies, nonprofits, and other organizations to promote bird watching.