CMAS adopts at least one conservation project and one education project each year in addition to its guest speaker program and bird outings.
Bird Packs for Kids (and Adults!)
These sling pack birding kits were created to engage and inspire young and beginner birders (with generous support from the St. Cloud Morning Optimist Club). The kits contain:
• Rugged Nocs binoculars
• Stan Tekiela’s bird guidebook for Minnesota
• Small notebook, pencil, and pencil sharpener
Kits can be checked out at:
• Quarry Park, Waite Park, MN
• Avon Hills Folk School, Avon, MN
CMAS also donated Nocs binoculars and funds to augment four Great River Regional Library “Try It Yourself – Birdwatching Kits” and contributed funds for an additional kit. These kits can be reserved and checked out from any GRRL location.
Go out and explore nature!!
Right: A young outdoor enthusiast ready to learn about birds!
Beginning Birding Outings at Avon Hills Folk School
In the spring of 2024 and 2025, CMAS accepted an invitation from the Avon Hills Folk School to conduct multiple “Beginning Birding” outings at its facility. Jim Millard led groups through the woods and meadows in search of bird sightings. This was highly successful, and we hope to continue with this project in the coming years.
Audubon Adventures
The National Audubon Society started the Audubon Adventures program of environmental education kits for schoolchildren in 3rd to 5th grades in 1984. CMAS has been a staunch supporter of the program since its inception, providing an average of 30 annual subscriptions to area schools. In 1995 it reached an all-time high of 43 annual subscriptions. In 2016 the program switched to on-line kits rather than yearly subscriptions. CMAS involvement dropped for several years until 2023, when 28 kits were provided to the community. We are grateful to the St. Cloud Morning Optimist Club for providing Initial funds to support restarting this program.
The kits are provided to area public and private schools as well as Boys and Girls Clubs and Homeschooling Cooperatives. We encourage anyone interested either as a teacher or sponsor to contact CMAS for more information.
For Young Nature-Lovers
Audubon Project Bird Safe
National Audubon’s Project Bird Safe is a program to educate the public about ways we can help to keep birds safe. CMAS has participated in letter writing campaigns in support of Audubon’s Lights Out Program during bird migration time. Lights are a distraction to migrating birds and can cause them to lose their way.
Bird Friendly Yards
In 2023 CMAS members Hank and Lisa Schreifels conducted a very successful promotion of the No Mow May Program. Thanks to their efforts, at least eight cities adopted ordinances that allowed their citizens to refrain from mowing their yard in the month of May to protect spring pollinators. CMAS followed this project by advocating for adoption of lawn alternatives such as the Lawns to Legumes Program. Bird friendly yards include lawn alternatives, native plants, and food and habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Learn How to Make Your Yard Bird-Friendly.
< About