BirdsCaribbean is very excited to announce the launch of the Betty Petersen Conservation Fund to advance the conservation of birds and habitats in the Caribbean region. We are thrilled by the response of the founding donors who have helped us already raise $127,000 towards our first-year goal of $150,000.
The Fund will provide competitive grants to groups or individuals who are engaging and empowering their communities to protect and sustainably benefit from their birds. We will begin accepting applications via our website on September 1st of this year.
Betty Petersen (1943-2013), a lifelong resident of Massachusetts, was, in her own way, a wizard. With nothing more than donated birding equipment, books, and a bit of cash, she turned local communities and school kids into committed conservationists, struggling NGOs into recognized players on the inter-American scene, and “paper parks” into real protected areas. And in the process she reminded us how rewarding it is to lend a hand when none is expected.
Betty’s connection to the Caribbean was strong. Birders’ Exchange, an initiative she began, provided equipment to ornithologists and conservation projects across the islands. It even had a special Cuba fund initiated by National Book Award-winning author, Phillip Hoose. Chilean-American author, Alvaro Jaramillo, stated that, “Betty was a force of nature… dedicated not only to the conservation of birds, but also in elevating local communities through education as well as helping them have the tools to be able to achieve their goals.”
At a recent gathering of Betty’s friends and family, Lisa Sorenson, our Executive Director, told the audience that she was so grateful for the outpouring of support we have already raised. “Just this month, we received another pledge of $25,000 from anonymous donors who want to inspire others to contribute to the Fund,” she commented. “Now our goal is to raise the remaining $33,000 by November so we can fund innovative projects in the Caribbean that will engage communities while reducing threats to birds and nature.”
Betty’s husband, ornithologist Wayne Petersen, recently said, “I am humbled and appreciative of everyone’s support and know this is exactly what Betty would want us to do to remember her.”