Nebraska Bird Partnership

Cranes will be on center stage in central Nebraska again this Friday, but in this case, as the subject of world-class photography.  Nebraska-based wildlife and nature photographer Michael Forsberg is among the honorees at the Nebraska Bird Partnership’s 5th Annual Awards Ceremony on Friday, March 19, at 12 p.m. The ceremony, which recognizes the conservation accomplishments of 2010 award winners, will be held at the Holiday Inn in Kearney.

Forsberg will receive the Chairman's Award from current Bird Partnership Chairman Ritch Nelson of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.  "I am proud to select Michael Forsberg for this award.  His photos have inspired countless Nebraskans to want to conserve our wildlife and natural landscapes for future generations."

NET Television will be honored for work on Project BEAK, an interactive, web-based curriculum targeting Nebraska students in the 5th-8th grade.
The website, www.projectbeak.org, contains information and activities about Nebraska birds, conservation, adaptations, and bird watching, and classroom lesson plans for teachers.

According to Project leader Jeanine Lackey, "When NETV started working on the project, it blossomed into an amazing, interactive, and colorful website.  NETV staff worked diligently because they felt that Project BEAK was exciting, fulfilling, and an important outlet through which a bird conservation and appreciation message could be spread, not only to Nebraskans, but across the country as well."

The land stewardship actions of Jean Parker, owner of the 3,680 acre Cross L Cattle Company in eastern Sheridan County, will also be recognized.  "Partnering with Jean has allowed our agency to reach many of our conservation goals for that particular region," said Shelley Stoley, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission biologist.  "Even more importantly, the partnership has allowed Jean to profitably and sustainably manage her ranch to the benefit of the unique plant and animal communities of the area."

Visit the Bird Partnership Awards Program page to learn more about the awards.