Community Programs
Community Programs
The unique and iconic forest birds of Hawaiʻi are facing an immediate extinction crisis. Found nowhere else on Earth, at least 12 species are threatened with imminent extinction in the next few years from habitat loss, invasive species, climate change and disease, such as avian malaria spread by mosquitoes.
Hawaiian forest birds are an integral ecological and cultural component of the Hawaiian Islands. These birds reflect the health of forests and represent cultural connections between the Native Hawaiian Community and the islands. The loss of these species compromises the integrity of unique ecosystems as well as the natural and cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi.
Join us when we welcome Jackie Guadioso for a program about the what is being done to preserve these special forest birds.
Jackie has 19 years of experience in avian field work and conservation, of which 16 years of this experience is with native Hawaiian forest birds. She holds a M.S. degree in Conservation Biology and Environmental Sciences from the University of Hawai’i at Hilo.
Her past research and experience spans the topics of native Hawaiian forest bird conservation including ecology and morphology, endangered bird propagation, avian reintroductions and translocations, avian point-count surveys, and introduced avian disease and ectoparasites. Most recently in Hawai'i, she was the project coordinator for the reintroduction of the Hawaiian Crow or ‘Alalā on Hawai'i Island.
Since relocating back home to Connecticut, Jackie is now the Outdoor Adventure Coordinator for the City of New Haven Parks Department where she is leading a team in providing access and opportunities for the local community to enjoy outdoor activities and environmental education within the parks. She enjoys spending time with her 10-year-old daughter, Kāhea, traveling, surfing and camping
Community Placemaking Engagement Network is sponsoring the eleventh Annual West River Water Fest at West River Memorial Park on Saturday, July 13, taking place from 1 to 4 p.m. at West River Memorial Park at the corner of Ella T. Grasso Boulevard and Route 34. Menunkatuck Audubon will be there.
This year’s activities will focus on teaching about the nature around the watershed and the things we can do to help care for it. Free canoe and kayak rides, coloring page activities, bird watching, fishing activities, and more! Free hot dogs and packaged snacks will be served throughout the event.
Activities include:
Free guided family canoe rides during the festival
Incredible bird life viewed from both land and water, and explained by knowledgeable guides—herons, egrets, Ospreys, woodpeckers and many other types of birds
Activities for smaller children including arts and crafts, coloring books, water games, and more
Games, science experiments, and educational activities about the watershed ecosystem and aquatic animals
We hope to see you there!