Austin Val Verde Foundation

Austin Val Verde Estate - Audubon Society Census Point....

A great diversity of bird species exist on the grounds:

Historically Austin Val Verde Estate has been the Audubon Society's census point because of the great diversity of bird species that exist on the grounds. Committed to the natural diverse population and researching the possibility of creating a breeding program for endangered species. These endangered species are defined as five hundred mated pairs still in existence. AVVF has a unique opportunity to provide habitat, a network of dedicated professionals and advocates and technological support to document the effort.

The current TV show in production is a very good example. Conor Keegan was given the opportunity to breed a pair of Chinese robins also known as Beijing Nightingales. The birds are no longer permitted to be imported into the US and China's preferences are males as they are the songbirds in the species. The race against time to get the two fledglings into the right hands of experience and conflicting beliefs as to how to feed them makes for a real world drama of desperate efforts for a dying species.

Further documentation and work has been on going at AVVF with the CLLC which is a group of dedicated educators from all over the world who are dedicated to preserving ordinary knowledge (such as raising Chinese song birds in captivity) for professionals. AVVF has been working for five years to create a new education model for this purpose. Teachers and educators from around the world meet each summer to continue the research, compare their results and prepare professional papers for their colleagues based on the collection of documented ordinary knowledge which has high potential for impact. So, when a group of bird TV shows are finished, than the teachers review them for information and creative ideas for classroom curriculum. These ideas are used in science, design, math, multi media, and cultural exchanges.

Currently AVVF has a working agreement with the Department of Geography at the University of Moscow to study changing land use over time at AVVF. This includes the trees, stream, fowl, fauna and historical design. These efforts will also be documented for TV and further professional adaptation by scientists.

About The National Audubon Society;

Audubon's mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity.

Their national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.