Support for Mountain Bluebirds reaches remarkable heights
The Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society (MBTCS) achieved a recent record year of donations in 2024, raising over $3,500 to its mission of conserving and protecting Mountain Bluebirds and their cavity-nesting habitats across Southern Alberta. This milestone is especially meaningful as the organization celebrated its 50th anniversary.
MBTCS nest box overlooking the Oldman River, downstream of Cottonwood Park in Lethbridge, Alberta
“Donations in December alone totaled nearly $1,200,” said Kathy Koenig, MBTCS Treasurer. “Over the course of the year we received contributions through our website, Canada Helps, and memorial donations in memory of the late Les Sarsfield, a long-time MBTCS supporter, and Calvin Wellman, a rancher and dedicated advocate for Mountain Bluebirds from the Waterton Lakes area. These donations demonstrate the community’s commitment to supporting our conservation work and ensuring the future of Mountain Bluebirds.”
Building on this momentum, the MBTCS executive committee recently approved a transfer of $2,000 to its Endowment Fund with the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta. Established with an initial contribution of $10,000 in 2022, this fund bolsters the Society’s financial sustainability and long-term conservation efforts.
The Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society Charity Support Fund was established with the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta (CFLSA) in spring 2022. Left to right: Curtis Goodman (Vice-President), Kathy Koenig (Treasurer), Jim Leitch (President), and Charleen Davidson (CFLSA)
“The Endowment Fund is our nest egg, providing a reliable and lasting resource to sustain our conservation efforts for years to come,” said Jim Leitch, MBTCS President.
“Its currently valued at approximately $16,000, and it would be amazing to see this grow to $30,000 in celebration of our 30th anniversary as a charity,” added Curtis Goodman, MBTCS Vice President. “This will provide a larger, steady stream of annual revenue to support our Society’s efforts.”
“Charity Support Funds like the MBTCS Endowment Fund are instrumental in helping local organizations increase their impact across our region,” said Charleen Davidson, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta. “By building sustainable financial foundations, smaller charities like MBTCS can deliver vital programs that benefit our communities for generations.”
Mountain Bluebird at Cottonwood Park in Lethbridge, Alberta (April 2024)
Since its founding in 1974, MBTCS has worked tirelessly to build and maintain nest boxes, monitor bluebird populations, and educate the public about conservation. This year the organization celebrates its 30th anniversary as a registered Canadian charity.
“We are currently constructing more than 100 new nest boxes to expand our trails and replace aging boxes throughout Southern Alberta,” said Steven Shumborski, MBTCS Trail Master. “Every donation helps us support Mountain Bluebirds.”
Mountain Bluebirds in Cottonwood Park in Lethbridge, Alberta
Mountain Bluebirds are expected to return to Southern Alberta in March, bringing the next season of nest building and conservation efforts. While their arrival is still a couple months away, early sightings have occasionally been reported as early as late February, signaling that their return may come sooner than expected.
To celebrate the bluebirds’ return, MBTCS invites everyone to attend its Annual General Meeting in March. Details will be posted on the Society’s website.
Supporters are also encouraged to commemorate the organization’s 30th anniversary as a registered charity by making a special donation of $30, $300, or $3,000, though contributions of any size are welcomed. Every contribution directly supports conservation efforts, including nest box construction and maintenance.
Mountain Bluebirds in Cottonwood Park in Lethbridge, Alberta
Donations can be made online at https://bluebirdtrails.org/donate or by cheque to the Community Foundation (#50, 1202 2nd Ave S, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0E3). This will help to provide an annual grant to support MBTCS’ work every year, forever!
MBTCS extends its heartfelt thanks to all who have supported its mission.