GTBC FOLLOW-UP: Teams have disbanded until next year, 
but the 2015 Great Texas Birding Classic was success for 
birders and birds ... ahead on Passport to Texas.

This is Passport to Texas

The Great Texas Birding Classic, which wrapped up on 
May 15 following a month of non-stop, statewide birding 
action, was a huge success, says TPW nature tourism 
coordinator, Shelly Plante.

16 -- This year's Great Texas Birding Classic was absolutely the best yet. 
We had a hundred teams for the first time ever, and with that we were 
able to raise more money than we've raised in a long time. So, we will 
donate $25,000 dollars in conservation grants this year -- which is a 
40% increase over last year's donation.




.
Grant money goes to projects that enhance or preserve 
native bird habitat statewide, and winning teams 
designate which projects receive the funds. Plante says 
while birders find it rewarding, she rewards birders that 
make her smile, with the Make My Day award.

13 -- While all of these teams are out in the field and having a really 
great time, a lot of my job is behind the desk, taking care of data entry. 
And so, if a team name crosses my desk that just made me laugh out 
loud, or giggle a little bit -- I felt tht I should reward that because they 
brightened my day. 


Teams like the Double-Stuffed Orioles, Hot Wings, and the 
Bird Dogs -- a team that actually brought their dogs with 
them -- among others got this recognition from Shelly 
Plante.

Find a list of conservation projects that received grants at 
passporttotexas.org.

That's our show ... Funding provided in part by Ram 
Trucks. Guts. Glory. Ram

For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I'm Cecilia Nasti.




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