Friend of the Refuge Award - 28 Mar 2019

John D. Dingell Friend of the Refuge Awards and the

IWRA Annual Benefit Dinner in support of the

Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge

For Immediate Release:  March 28, 2019

 

WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN – The International Wildlife Refuge Alliance (IWRA) is celebrating the continued support for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (DRIWR) with its annual benefit dinner Saturday, April 6^th.  This sold out event will be held in the Refuge community of Wyandotte at the Bentley Banquet and Conference Center. 

On Thursday, March 28^th three John D. Dingell Friend of the Refuge Awards were given in recognition of leadership and dedication to conservation on the Detroit River and western Lake Erie Basin. Presentation of awards was held in the Gibraltar City Hall, Gibraltar, MI.  In attendance was Callie Bruley, District Director representing Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.  Ms. Bruley presented each honoree with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition, signed by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.

The 2019 honorees:

INDIVIDUAL Award: 

 

2019 Individual Friend of the Refuge Award recipient is Jerry Jourdan

 

Jerry has been hooked on birding since 1980 when he took a field biology class as an undergraduate at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Since then he has developed a passion for bird photography. In 2003, he discovered the art of Digiscoping, or photographing birds with a spotting scope and digital camera and has become a world-class digiscoper. In 2007, he started blogging to record his observations and photos and provide a narrative of his adventures and experiences (birdingthroughglass.blogspot.com; jerryjourdan2.blogspot.com). He is also a member of the American Birding Association, Erie Shores Birding Association, Black Swamp Observatory, Whitefish Point Observatory, and Hawk Migration Association of North America. He has been the data compiler for the Monroe, Michigan Christmas Bird Count for almost 40 years.  Professionally, Jerry is a senior microscopist for the Analytics Department at BASF Corporation with 35 years of experience.

 

In 2010, Jerry was recruited to serve on the newly-formed advisory committee to assist the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in developing a count protocol for the Detroit River Hawk Watch. As part of the advisory committee, he leads the way on daily data management, season summary reports, annual publications, updates to the website, and brochure content in support of the Hawk Watch.  Refuge staff especially appreciate the time he spends on developing outreach and education materials for Hawk Watch designed to encourage the next generation of curious birders. Jerry shares his incredible photographs of hawks migrating with the public and has painstakingly compiled the hundreds of posts and photographs taken by other volunteers from the Detroit River Hawk Watch Facebook page so that this record can be permanently saved by the refuge.  Without Jerry’s involvement, the Detroit River Hawk Watch would require a tremendous amount time from the Refuge staff.

Jerry says, “Receiving this award is a great honor. But it is an award that belongs to the entire volunteer staff of the Detroit River Hawk Watch and all who have donated time, money, and effort to help bring the Hawk Watch, and Refuge, to the place it is today. Thank you for the privilege of being able to support such a great organization.”

It is our honor to have presented the 2019 Individual Friend of the Refuge Award to Mr. Jerry Jourdan.

Joann Van Aken, IWRA Executive Director; Callie Bruley, District Director Representing Congresswoman Debbie Dingell; Jerry Jourdan; Richard Micka, IWRA Chair; and Susan White, Refuge Manager.  Photo: Mark Messer

 

CIVIC Awards

2019 Friend of the Refuge Award recipient is Lake Erie Metropark,

Huron Clinton Metropark Authority

 

IWRA is proud to recognize the partnership with Lake Erie Metropark with the 2019 Friend of the Refuge Award.  Lake Erie Metropark is the southern-most park in the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, situated between the mouths of the Detroit and Huron Rivers and the shore of Lake Erie- right in the heart of Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (DRIWR). The 1,607-acre park encourages conservation and outdoor recreation for all ages. Lake Erie Metropark is designated as an “Important Bird Area” and boasts some of the best views for hawk migration in North America.  

Lake Erie Metropark’s proximity to the Refuge and front row seat to hawk-watching views initiated an important and necessary partnership between IWRA, DRIWR, and the Metropark.  Every year from early September through the end of November, Lake Erie Metropark graciously provides the location and access for Detroit River Hawk Watch (DRHW).  They are active in the DRHW Outreach and Steering Committees and host Hawk Fest, a family-friendly weekend event that educates the public about hawk migration and the DRHW.

Also, as partners of the Detroit River-Western Lake Erie Cooperative Weed Management Area, Lake Erie Metropark expands the area of impact against invasive plant species by coordinating survey and treatment of their property and assisting with equipment storage and maintenance. Without the Metropark, the fight against highly invasive plant species in southeastern Michigan would be much more difficult and the successful treatment on Refuge lands would be jeopardized by large neighboring areas of untreated, prolific invasive plants. 

IWRA is grateful for the partnership and friendship that continues to grow with Lake Erie Metropark, from utilizing staff as board members, to seeking interpretive advice and assistance from their talented team. With similar missions to promote conservation of wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation, we can do more together!

It is our honor to have presented the 2019 Friend of the Refuge Award to Lake Erie Metropark with the Huron Clinton Metropark Authority with the following representatives in attendance: Amy McMillan, Director; Jerry Cyr, Southern District Park Superintendent; Jennifer Jaworski, Chief of Interpretive Services; Ryan Colliton, Chief of Natural Resources and Regulatory Compliance; Nina Kelly, Chief of Planning and Development; Kevin Arnold, District Interpretive Services Supervisor; and Paul Cypher, Interpreter.

 

Front Row: Callie Bruley, District Director Representing Congresswoman Debbie Dingell; Jennifer Jaworski, Chief of Interpretive Services; Amy McMillan, Director; Kevin Arnold, District Interpretive Services Supervisor; Nina Kelly, Chief of Planning and Development; and Susan White, Refuge Manager.  Back Row: Joann Van Aken, IWRA Executive Director; Paul Cypher, Interpreter; Ryan Colliton, Chief of Natural Resources and Regulatory Compliance; Jerry Cyr, Southern District Park Superintendent, and Richard Micka, IWRA Chair.  Photo: Mark Messer.

CIVIC Awards

2019 Friend of the Refuge Award recipient is the City of Trenton, Michigan

 

For the first time, IWRA is recognizing a Civic category with a Friend of the Refuge Award and it is our honor to present the 2019 award to the City of Trenton.

 

The City of Trenton as a Refuge Gateway community located along the Detroit River, has been a key partner in the success of the refuge and has been proud to provide support in a number of capacities throughout the years. During the ongoing construction process, the City voluntarily provided in-kind professional services and guidance from the Engineering Staff and Department of Public Service to aid in the project.

Their partnership and commitment continue with the West Jefferson Avenue Trail Connector which was completed last fall, and was funded in part through the Federal Lands Access Program with match dollars from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and project coordination through the efforts of the City of Trenton.

 

Additionally, the Trenton Parks and Recreation Director currently serves on the Board of Directors of the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, providing an important link to aid in coordination and development of programs and projects.

 

IWRA is proud to have the City of Trenton as a Refuge Gateway Community and is looking forward to expanding our partnership as the refuge gateway becomes a destination point for thousands of annual visitors. The City agrees, commenting: “The City of Trenton has been pleased to assist in the ongoing development of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. As a Refuge Gateway Community, the City welcomes this great treasure and understands the significant opportunities and impact this urban refuge will have not only through expanding environmental conservation, but also through educational opportunities to an urban population.”

 

It is our honor to have presented the 2019 Friend of the Refuge Award to Mayor Kyle Stack, on behalf of the City of Trenton. Other representatives from the City of Trenton we also in attendance, including IWRA board member and Parks and Recreation Director Joann Gonyea, Emergency Management Coordinator Paul Haley, City Administrator Scott Church, and City Councilman Bob Howey.

 

Front Row: Joann Van Aken, IWRA Executive Director; Callie Bruley, District Director Representing Congresswoman Debbie Dingell; Joann Gonyea, Parks and Recreation Director; Kyle Stack, Mayor; and Susan White, Refuge Manager.  Back Row: Paul Haley, Emergency Management Coordinator; Scott Church, City Administrator; Bob Howey, City Councilman; and Richard Micka, IWRA Chair.  Photo: Mark Messer.