The Grainger Foundation has donated $2,500 to the Friends of Mercer County Parks in support of the Mercer County Park Commission’s bird banding project. Pictured is Mercer County Naturalist Jenn Rogers accepting the donation check for the bird banding program from Richard Travaglini, Senior Director of Regional Distribution from W.W. Grainger’s Inc.’s Northeast Region.
The Grainger Foundation has donated $2,500 to the Friends of Mercer County Parks in support of the Mercer County Park Commission’s bird banding project. The Grainger Foundation, an independent, private foundation based in Lake Forest, Illinois, was established in 1949 by William W. Grainger, founder of W.W. Grainger, Inc.
The Park Commission’s programs currently serve as a way to study birds and habitats. Birds are considered an indicator species because their presence, absence, and abundance are directly related to habitat type and quality. The bird banding station at Fiddler’s Creek Preserve will monitor bird population dynamics in the setting of a reforestation area. By correlating bird data with vegetation monitoring, the project will provide insight into how a developing reforestation area benefits bird species and communities.
In addition to this research, the banding station will host public programs for adults and families beginning in the spring of 2016. These programs will include a tour of the banding station, an introduction to the plant monitoring methods, and will highlight the bird banding process.
This donation was recommended by Richard Travaglini, Senior Director of Regional Distribution of W.W. Grainger’s Inc.’s, Northeast Region. Grainger has been part of the New Jersey business community for more than 80 years as the leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair, and operating products.
The Friends of Mercer County Parks is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports the Mercer County Park Commission. Founded in 2013 the Friends of Mercer County Parks has helped to enhance and expand the many offerings throughout the Park Commission; from programs to equipment, and education of the staff.
,
