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BRAW's 2024 Bluebird Haven Campaign Initiative This crucial initiative is dedicated to attracting, preserving and enhancing bluebird populations across our beautiful state Bluebirds are more than just a symbol of joy; they are indicators of a healthy environment. Unfortunately, their populations have faced significant challenges due to climate change, habitat loss and competition for nesting sites. The Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin (BRAW) uses your generous donations to support their mission of conserving and restoring bluebird populations in Wisconsin. Join Us in Protecting Wisconsin’s Bluebirds! Donate Today: Your generous contributions will fund the construction and maintenance of nest boxes and support our educational programs. What We Do with Your Donations Nest Box Installation: We build and place nest boxes along bluebird trails, providing secure homes for bluebirds to raise their young. Maintaining and monitoring nearly 7,000 nest boxes annually. Supporting the work of 750 dedicated members who help with these efforts. Support Network: Our network of county coordinators works tirelessly to promote bluebird conservation throughout Wisconsin. Educational Outreach : We offer resources and guidance on how to attract and protect bluebirds in your own backyard. Educational programs to raise awareness about bluebird conservation. Annual Collection and Reporting Bluebird Fledging Data - Report is distributed to members & Cornell Lab of Ornothology. Community Engagement: We invite community members to join us in our conservation efforts by becoming members, volunteering, and spreading awareness. How do you want to contribute to help bluebirds? One time One time Monthly Monthly Yearly Yearly Amount $25 $25 $50 $50 $75 $75 $100 $100 $200 $200 Other Other 0/100 Comments (optional) Donate $25 Become a member and/or join our team of dedicated volunteers and help monitor bluebird trails, build nest boxes, and participate in community outreach. Bluebird Haven Campaign Join Us in Protecting Wisconsin’s Bluebirds! The Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin (BRAW) is thrilled to introduce the Bluebird Haven Campaign, a crucial initiative dedicated to preserving and enhancing bluebird populations across our beautiful state . Our Mission Bluebirds are more than just a symbol of joy; they are indicators of a healthy environment. Unfortunately, their populations have faced significant challenges due to habitat loss and competition for nesting sites. The Bluebird Haven Campaign is committed to creating safe and thriving habitats for these beloved birds. What We Do with Your Bluebird Haven Donations Nest Box Installation: We build and place nest boxes along bluebird trails, providing secure homes for bluebirds to raise their young. Community Engagement: We invite community members to join us in our conservation efforts by becoming members, volunteering, and spreading awareness. Educational Outreach: We offer resources and guidance on how to attract and protect bluebirds in your own backyard. Support Network: Our network of county coordinators works tirelessly to promote bluebird conservation throughout Wisconsin. How You Can Help Your support is crucial to the success of the Bluebird Haven Campaign. Here’s how you can make a difference: Donate: Your generous contributions will fund the construction and maintenance of nest boxes and support our educational programs. Volunteer: Join our team of dedicated volunteers and help monitor bluebird trails, build nest boxes, and participate in community outreach. Spread the Word: Share our mission with your friends and family. Follow us on social media and help raise awareness about the importance of bluebird conservation. Together, we can ensure that bluebirds continue to grace our skies for generations to come. Join the Bluebird Haven Campaign today and be a part of something truly special!

Download MAIL-IN Nesting Report Form 2025 Online Nesting Report Form Fields marked with an * are required. Select Today's Date * required Last Name Address State County Zip Code First Name City Email Phone # of Boxes # Boxes Used by Bluebirds # Bluebird Eggs Laid # Bluebird Eggs Hatched # Bluebird Chicks Fledged # Chickadees Fledged # House Wrens Fledged # Tree Swallows Fledged # Boxes Used by House Sparrows Did you disturb any Chickadee, Tree Swallows or House Wren nests? * Yes No Are you a BRAW Member? * Yes No Comments Submit Form Your 2025 Nesting Report Form has been received . Thank you for submitting! An error occurred. Recheck form field entries. Ensure all required fields have been filled and resubmit form.

Click HERE to Get Mail-in Report Form Mail completed form to: Steve Fallon 974 Halcyon Days Ct Oregon WI 53575

IN LOVING MEMORY OF Carol J. McDaniel July 1, 1948 - May 9, 2021 On May 9, 2021, Carol Jean Mc Daniel passed away. She was passionate about restoring bluebird populations. In 1981, Carol organized the Lafayette County Bluebird Society. As a lifelong member of BRAW she made notable contributions enhancing field operations, restoration activity effectiveness, and proudly rose to serve as its president. Among numerous accomplishments were Carol's tenure as vice-president and director of the North American Bluebird Society and authoring the Eastern Bluebird species count for the "Atlas of Breeding Birds of Wisconsin" by the Wisconsin Society of Ornithology. Her persistent commitment and support of BRAW's restoration activities are legendary . Carol Remembers - Celebrating 35 Years With BRAW Course Name The Carol's commitment to the to the restoration of bluebird populations continues today via Carol's generous gift donation enabling BRAW's Board of Directors to create the Carol McDaniel Legacy Fund to honor her memory. This fund supports: • A leadership award named in Carol's honor, • Perpetual recognition on the BRAW website • The Carol McDaniel Legacy Nest Box Program • Named grants for bluebird research • Long-term sustainability endowment fund.

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Introducing BRAW's 2023 Recognition Award Recipients As another year comes to a close, BRAW pauses to recognize the contributions of those who have made special efforts on behalf of bluebirds, the environment and the organization. “I’m always amazed at the dedication exhibited by these individuals to the restoration of the Eastern Bluebird and protection of our environment,” said President Steve Sample. RECOGNITION AWARD CATEGORIES Carol McDaniel Bluebird Lifetime Achievement Educator of the Year Communicator of the Year Bluebirders of the Year Facilitator of the Year Each award recipient received an elegant glass plaque with a blue scuplted base engraved with their name and award category. To learn more about this year's award winners please read on. Carol McDaniel Bluebird Award Sue Cashman Sue Cashman, of Darlington, received the 2023 Carol McDaniel Bluebird Award. According to BRAW President Steve Sample, “the purpose of the award is to recognize persons who have demonstrated a strong dedication to the restoration of the Eastern Bluebird.” The retired teacher recalled that when growing up “my mother loved birds. There also were other folks who shared their interest in birds, especially from a science view.” Cashman is known for her efforts to help bluebirds through the Lafayette County Bluebird Society and the Bluebird Nest Nature Center store in Darlington. Carol McDaniel and Cashman shared both a friendship and an interest in bluebirds. “Carol would visit some of my classes to teach about the Eastern Bluebird,” explained Cashman. Upon her passing, the McDaniel family donated a sum to BRAW which was used to create the Carol McDaniel Legacy Fund. “It is fitting that Sue Cashman is the first recipient of this award to honor Carol McDaniel, who was not only a past president of BRAW, but also of the North American Bluebird Society,” added Sample. Cashman suggested that folks can carry on McDaniel’s legacy “by seeking support from elected officials for legislation that helps birds.” Nominations of current BRAW members for this award are open through August 1, 2024. Check our website www.braw.org for details and an application form. Lifetime Achievement Award Fred & Mary Craig Fred and Mary Craig, of Holmen, received the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. Fred was also honored with Board of Directors Emeritus status. They were recognized for their work in designing better bluebird houses, conducting field research to improve box management, doing public education and monitoring trails. In announcing the award, President Steve Sample noted that their effort was “a together project from day one.” There was a time when the couple checked more than 100 boxes outside of Holmen, as far north as Merrick and Perrot State Parks, and then south of La Crosse in Timber Coulee country. It would take two days to monitor the boxes. “In a typical year, bluebirds using our boxes would produce over 700 fledglings,” said Fred. “They would also annually average another 60 or so Black-capped Chickadees, Tree Swallows and other cavity nester fledglings,” added Mary. Both were a familiar sight on the Brice Prairie Conservation Area. “We enjoyed meeting new BPCA members and introducing them to bluebird monitoring,” said Mary. “It is heartwarming to get a smile from property owners when they see their first nest full of eggs.” As for the future, both agreed that: “We need to encourage more families to get outdoors and connect with the bluebird population. It definitely is a rewarding hobby.” Educator of the Year Award Paul Noeldner, of Maple Bluff, received the 2023 Educator of the Year Award. According to BRAW President Steve Sample, “Noeldner has led bird education efforts through Madison FUN Friends of Urban Nature workshops and Bird Buddies programs to establish bluebird box trails. Interest in birds started at a young age. Noeldner said “as a young farm kid I used my little binoculars to identify different species of birds. Later on, as a student at UW-Madison, I learned about doing field research and the power of data in understanding our environment.” Now, Noeldner shares his expertise by helping put on “Learn to Make a Bluebird Box” workshops. “Our Madison FUN partner groups and Bird Buddies team are key to educating the public,” he explained. According to Noeldner, “The Madison Parks Department, Badgerland Bird Alliance, Friends of Cherokee Marsh, Wild Warner, BRAW and Friends of UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve help support bluebird trails and educational outings.” Noeldner feels that humankind can help birds by “connecting with environmental and conservation groups to support ethical actions on birds’ behalf.” In accepting his award, Noeldner noted that "he was especially grateful for help from wife Barbara and monitors, plus BRAW members Pat Ready and Stephen Lang." Paul Noeldner Communicator of the Year Dan Small, of Westby, received the 2023 Communicator of the Year Award. The long-time host of Outdoor Wisconsin on Milwaukee PBS and PBS Wisconsin, and contributing editor for the Wisconsin Outdoor News, was cited for being an “important and significant environmental spokesperson for Wisconsin.” According to BRAW president Steve Sample, Small has “worked to educate the public about the state’s many plant, insect and animal species, including the Eastern Bluebird.” In reflecting on his contributions, Small noted: “Throughout my 50-year career, I have encouraged viewers, listeners and readers to learn about the interconnections between birds and other wildlife, and their dependence on a healthy, diverse environment. We need to consider our role as participants in the natural world and as its stewards.” Small’s interest in birds began on family camping trips. “Those experiences helped me understand the complexity of our natural world and led me to a career communicating about its wonders and the many activities that can bring us closer to wild things.” To help birds now and in the future, Small suggests “becoming more aware of the impacts our actions have on nature and preserving natural travel routes used by migrating birds to provide food and safe resting areas.” Dan Small Bluebirders of the Year Dale and Doris Moody, of De Forest, received the 2023 Bluebirders of the Year Award. They were cited for their efforts in helping restore the Eastern Bluebird population of Wisconsin by working with individuals and groups. Together they monitor 89 nest boxes on trails in Iowa and Lafayette counties. Since 2001 bluebird pairs using those boxes have produced nearly 6,000 fledglings. During their travels to other countries, they’ve observed that “nowhere else is there so much focus on bird migration, habitat and protection as in the U.S.” As far as how humankind can help birds, the Moody’s agreed that: “We need to protect habitat, conduct research into bird viruses, and educate people about the importance of birds in nature’s cycle of life.” Dale & Doris Moody Lifetime Achievement Ralph Konrath, of East Troy, received the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. Konrath, age 90, was cited for tirelessly promoting bluebird awareness over the years. This year he put up and monitored a pair of successful nest boxes in the Oak Grove Cemetery near the entrance to Old World Wisconsin in Eagle Township. The retired Big Cat House and Bird Building employee of the Milwaukee County Zoo at one time monitored three dozen nest boxes at the Whitnall Park Golf Course, plus another 70 in Adams County. Konrath’s interest in birds started eight decades ago. “My grandmother taught me how to monitor bluebird houses,” said Konrath. “She also showed me how to discourage invasive species like house sparrows and starlings.” Growing up on a farm eventually led Konrath to become involved with taking care of animals and birds as a profession. In retirement, he focused on pigeon racing. His main concern now is “that people take care of the environment for all plants and wildlife.” Ralph Konrath Facilitator of the Year Curt Caslavka, of Middleton, received the 2023 Facilitator of the Year Award. He was recognized for his work in increasing prairie habitat for birds. Additionally, President Steve Sample pointed to Caslavka’s efforts at Pope Farm Conservancy and Goose Pond Sanctuary to educate the public about the environment and birds. Growing up in a rural community with nearby natural areas to explore, Caslavka had an interest in wildlife early in his life that later led to seeking a degree in Biological Sciences. While on the academic staff of the UW-Madison, he helped create the Biocore Prairie at the Lake Shore Nature Preserve. “Preserving existing wildlife sanctuaries and creating new habitat are the keys to helping birds retain their population numbers,” observes Caslavka. One thing he believes humankind can do now and in the future is “volunteer time and provide financial support to organizations that protect habitat and the environment for birds.” Curt Caslavka