Special Recognition:

John Muir Award – Conservationists of the Year – Rusert & Peterie

Darren Peterie and Tom Rusert, co-founders of Sonoma Birding based in Sonoma CA, received the 36th annual John Muir “Conservationists of the Year” Award. The award was presented at the 100th Anniversary celebration of both Muir’s birthday & his enduring legacy. In the history of public wilderness preservation, Muir’s achievements are unmatched. He was the founder of the Sierra Club in 1892 and “Father of our National Parks”. The conservation awards were presented at the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, California. Sonoma Index-Tribune

American Birding Association’s – Griscom Award Presented to Tom Rusert

The Griscom Award was first presented to the renowned naturalist, Roger Tory Peterson, considered the father of the modern field guide,^[3] in 1980. This distinguished ABA award was presented to Tom Rusert for his “citizen science” conservation efforts, across North America over 30 years.  Rusert is the co-founder of Sonoma Nature. The award is named after Ludlow Griscom, considered the “Dean of the Birdwatchers”,^[2] and a pioneer in field ornithology. 

Bernie Krause – Sound Expert meets up with Tom Rusert for the Dawn Chorus in Sonoma, CA.

Press – Local, National and International Articles

CBC4Kids Fostering Citizen Science in Canada

The Washington Post – School Kids Celebrate the CBC 4 Kids

San Franciso Bay Nature – CBC 4 Kids

National Audubon – CBC in Sonoma Valley – “Birding the Burn”

Sonoma Valley Christmas Bird Count – Amazing results with 168 total species considering the fire blazed a third of the circle.  Overall total birds counted down by 25%.