RTPI teamed up with Audubon Connecticut and the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut to run the 2015 and 2016 WildLife Guards program. We have expanded the very successful initiative to include the City of West Haven at the Sandy Point Important Bird Area in 2017. Both teams of WildLife Guards have been hard at work monitoring nesting birds and conducting stewardship concerning our beaches and ecosystems. Our crews do everything from removing invasive plants to learning about our local dragonfly populations, staying engaged in education, conservation and advocacy five days a week. We reach thousands of visitors while making a tangible difference for rare or endangered plants and wildlife at the shore, creating the next generation of environmentalists.
That generation took a leap forward this summer as for the first time our three crew leaders are WildLife Guards alumni! Alfred Green, Talisha Ortiz, and Jamiya Williams all spent multiple years in the WildLife Guards program while displaying exceptional biological, communications, and leadership skills. They are now passing on their knowledge and expertise while leading the Guards to sustained success and new achievements. Jamiya and Talisha are the Bridgeport Crew Leaders while Alfred is stationed at West Haven.
I will show you more of what our WildLife Guards have been filling their days with later this week…
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
