In these uncertain times we wanted to send you an update on how ASI is responding to the latest developments of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The health and safety of our staff, volunteers, program partners, and supporters is paramount, and our first priority is to protect and support our community. Our staff is working remotely, at least through the end of April, to reduce any potential risk of infection. Our board and staff are working together to monitor the situation, and will follow the latest science and recommendations to keep everyone safe.
At this time we have cancelled all in-person meetings, programs, and large events through the end of April, including the annual Songbird Soirée. We have delayed the start to our bird banding season until at least April 27. At that time, we will assess current conditions and determine if/when we will open the station. All spring field trips to the bird banding station and our collaborative North for Science! program are cancelled for the 2020 season. We will update you as soon as we can on the status of our youth mentoring and high school internship summer programs.
ASI, and our home community of Fairbanks, is an amazing community! We take care of each other, and we sincerely hope that you, your family, and friends are staying safe and healthy. We’d like to thank you for supporting ASI over the last seven years, and helping us grow into the organization we are today! We have some very exciting work coming up later this year, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Times like these remind us all of the importance of building community–to support conservation–and to build resilient and healthy ecosystems that allow humans, birds, and all living things to adapt and thrive together.
All our best,
ASI Staff & Board of Directors
(Image credit: Wilson’s Warblers original woodcut print by the amazing Yumi Kawaguchi, Dogwood Studios Alaska)