Sierra Vista, AZ.  3/12/10.  The public is invited to attend a free workshop for volunteers interested in helping with hummingbird conservation projects, sponsored by the Hummingbird Monitoring Network (HMN), Arizona State Parks and Audubon Arizona. 

The workshop will be held March 26-29 and registration for the event is required; registration will be open until March 20.  Registration is only available online at www.surveymonkey.com/HMNTrn . 

The workshop is fun and educational, with several speakers, presentations, volunteer opportunities and training.  The workshop sessions will be held in Patagonia, at Patagonia Lake State Park and at Sonoita Creek State Natural Area.

Scheduled events are:

Friday, March 26 at Cady Hall, 346 Duquesne Ave, Patagonia, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.:  presentation entitled “Hummingbird diversity and abundance in southeastern Arizona at the turn of the Century,” by Dr. Susan Wethington.

Saturday, March 27 at Cady Hall, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: presentations about hummingbirds; current research; hummingbird conservation efforts; being a volunteer with Arizona State Parks, Audubon and HMN; opportunities to volunteer on hummingbird conservation; and more.

Saturday, March 27 at Visitor Center, Patagonia Lake State Park from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.:  for those interested in volunteering, there will be training stations at an HMN feeder patch and additional presentations about monitoring techniques, research, and data collection.

Saturday, March 27 at the Visitor Center, Patagonia Lake State Park from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.:  outdoor picnic/BBQ.  The BBQ is complimentary for those attending the Saturday afternoon and/or Sunday morning training sessions.  Other registered participants cost is $10 (to be paid at the event).

Sunday, March 28 at the Visitor Center, Sonoita Creek State Natural Area from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.:  additional training for interested volunteers.

Monday, March 29 at a location with many Broad-billed hummingbirds from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.:  for permitted hummingbird banders and volunteers who will help manage monitoring sites, training will continue.

For participants who wish to camp while attending the workshop, indicate this during registration and it will be complimentary at Patagonia Lake State Park.

For additional information, contact the Sierra Vista Visitor Center at 520-417-6960.

Contact: Erika Breckel, Media Relations Representative
      Communications & Marketing Division, City of Sierra Vista
      1011 N Coronado Dr.
      Sierra Vista, AZ, 85635
  (520) 417-6960 phone
  (520) 417-4890 fax
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  www.VisitSierraVista.com
  
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