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WBWG Donation

Donate to the Western Bat Working Group.

Dixie Pierson Memorial Fund

Dr. Elizabeth “Dixie” Pierson was one of the core founding members of the Western Bat Working Group. She was a member of the team that developed the Townsend’s big-eared bat Conservation Strategy in 1993 and 1994 that eventually led to the formation of the Western Bat Working Group in 1996. Dixie’s leadership promoted more effective bat conservation efforts across the western United States. She inspired and provided training and field experience to many students and agency biologists.

The Dixie Pierson Memorial Fund was established by her husband, Dr. Bill Rainey, and colleagues at the Western Bat Working Group. Donations are now being accepted for 2023 Scholarship awards. The goal is to award two $500 stipends biennially to defray travel costs and provide the opportunity for biologists to present their papers at the biennial meeting of the WBWG, where they can network with other biologists across western North America.

Bob Berry Scholarship Donation

We are now accepting donations for the Bob Berry Fund. Patricia Brown-Berry will match up to $1000 annually for contributions to the fund. The impetus behind this fund is to perpetuate Bob’s memory in the way that he assisted aspiring bat biologists the most. He used his engineering and computer skills to refine the tools of bat field work, and to help people to understand the different and changing technologies. Bob worked best one-on-one and patiently offered his expertise to students and agency biologists. He loved challenges.

The scholarship is awarded, through a competitive process, at the WBWG Biennial Meetings.

Bonnie Bat Educational Fund

Bonnie, the big brown bat, through classes and programs introduced thousands of adults and children to the wonderful world of bats. She never tried to bite, and rarely emitted an irritation buzz. She also appeared on the Jay Leno Show, Nickelodeon and Beekman’s World.

To honor Bonnie’s memory and continue her legacy of bat education we have established the ‘Bonnie Bat Education Grant.’ This grant will help fund bat education themed projects. Project proposals need to explain how the money would be spent, and show a matching contribution. Submissions are reviewed and the selected proposal is awarded $500 at the WBWG Biennial Meeting.

Tax deductible contributions can be made to the Western Bat Working Group – Bonnie Bat Education Fund.

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