We are happy to announce the three awardees of our Jerry Liguori Raptor Conservation and Education Scholarship! The loss of Jerry left a hole in our community, and this scholarship was formed to honor Jerry and his contributions to raptor conservation by creating a way for his work to continue in perpetuity. The fund supports research, professional development, and educational experiences centered around raptor migration, identification, and natural history.
Before we announce the winners, however, we want to share with you a few words from Sherry Liguori, Jerry’s wife, who helped us bring this scholarship to fruition.
“I am so pleased to see the Jerry Liguori Scholarship Fund award its first recipients! Jerry would have personally been excited about these projects, as they work towards things he was passionate about…education/outreach, migration, and two of his favorite raptors, Golden Eagles and American Kestrels!
Jerry was dedicated to learning about raptors and his thoughtful, practical and patient guidance mentored so many raptor biologists. These projects will help carry on his legend, reaching many individuals that are passionate about raptors. Please share the word about Jerry’s scholarship with those that may be interested, as I am hopeful that this fund will continue to grow and reach countless people over the years.”
Now let us introduce to you the inaugural winners of the Jerry Liguori Raptor Conservation and Education Scholarship!
Karla González
Karla González is a graduate of the Environmental Sciences degree from the Autonomous University of Baja California. In 2020 she founded “Pétalos y miel,” a project in which she promotes knowledge of Baja California biodiversity through environmental education and scientific outreach. Karla is awarded $1,610 to strengthen the interpretive tours they offer about the raptors of Baja California. The funds will be used to purchase educational material such as pocket guides of North American raptors and binoculars to share with participants.
Jennifer Redmond
Jennifer Redmond is a graduate student earning her Master’s in Biology at Miami University. A mother of three, Jennifer became a Girl Scout leader when her girls got involved with scouting. Now she is combining her experience as a scout leader with her Master’s project, engaging youth in science and conservation along Colorado’s Front Range. Now, with support from HWI, she is focused on expanding her kestrel nest box project and implementing a Kestrel Cam for the Town of Parker, Colorado. Her award of $2,871 will be used to support the installation of 12 nest boxes, a camera that live streams to the town’s website, nestbox building events, and American Kestrel banding.
Rocky Mountain Eagle Research Foundation
Since 1992, Rocky Mountain Eagle Research Foundation volunteers have performed annual raptor migration counts at the same site location in the Kananaskis Country, Alberta, in spring and fall, providing data to the understanding of and amazement in watching Golden Eagles. Claire Bourret, a 20-year member of RMERF, received $4,350 to grow their manpower and educational reporting. Funds will be used to provide docent aids at the watch site and host an in-person and online presentation.
We are beyond excited by the incredible work our awardees will be carrying out over the next year. We wish the awardees great success in their endeavors, and we look forward to sharing their progress with you all.
For more details on the Jerry Liguori Raptor Conservation and Education Scholarship, visit our website. These grants were funded by people like you. You can help protect raptors in perpetuity by making a tax-deductible gift directly to the Jerry Liguori Scholarship at www.hawkwatch.org/jerry.
This blog was written by Sammy Riccio, HWI’s Communications Manager. You can learn more about Sammy here.
