Hi June (and all),

The YMOS is certainly aimed towards kids who express an interest in nature, and particularly, birds.  It may seem that, from my posts, we are just out to rack up the species. Mostly that's just me being crazy over keeping eBird lists to document the trip. Each trip is truly a learning experience; we get to enjoy the outdoors while improving our birding/nature ID skills, understanding the importance of conservation, and having fun.  We visit places with the best chance at diversity, and we participate in annual events.
But one big problem with the program is that there are, to my knowledge, very few who either approach the YMOS, or are even interested at all.  It has definite potential, but its been very hard for just us to find and reach out to young birders across the whole state. I guess that's why the county chapters are so important; they have the ability and the duty to include those local youth members.
If anyone wants to know more, or has any questions, comments, or suggestions, you can contact George Radcliffe () or Wayne Bell ().

Other than the YMOS, you should check if there are AA county nature centers/audubon properties that offer youth programs. I know over here the Pickering Cree Audubon Center offers such programs (http://www.pickeringcreek.org/ecocamp/index.html), as well as Adkins Arboretum (http://www.adkinsarboretum.org/programs_events/childrens_programs.html).

Hope this helps!

Amanda Spears
Chestertown, MD


 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: June Tveekrem <>
To: 
Sent: Wed, Apr 28, 2010 6:51 pm
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Looking for children's bird/nature activities AA county


One of my coworkers told me today that her 11 year old son recently expressed interest in biology, especially birds. She would like to encourage her children (she also has a 9 year old) in outdoor activities, and asked me for suggestions. The family lives in the Anne Arundel part of Laurel. I thought of a few things, but need more suggestions. Here is what I thought of and mentioned to her: 
 
     1) The MOS youth birding backpack program. Who is doing this for AA county? 
 
     2) The Youth MOS in general. But as far as I know the active members are all on the Eastern Shore - is that true, or am I just clueless? Does YMOS do anything for total beginners? The YMOS kids I've seen and heard about were pretty hard core birders. 
 
     3) The Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas (aka herp atlas) - OK, it's not birds, but it's nature. I know what Howard County is doing, and Laurel is close enough to involve these kids in Howard Co activities. But there is also an opportunity for the AA county coordinator to follow up here. 
 
     4) The Howard County Dragonfly Count on June 5. Again, not birds, but most of the count participants are also birders so there would be opportunity to observe birds while counting dragonflies. I'll have to find out if the kids would be interested; if so, it's easy for me to involve them since I'm the coordinator. 
 
I know there are several butterfly counts in the area during July - that might be a possibility. Anybody have details on these counts? 
 
Does the Russett community have bird programs or nature walks for families? 
 
Any ideas would be welcome. 
 
June 
 
-- June Tveekrem 
Columbia, Maryland 
tweekiebird|AT|southernspreadwing.com 
http://SouthernSpreadwing.com