The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has launched the I BIRD NY Library Lending Program. The hopes to expand access to free birding equipment by offering backpacks with binoculars and reference materials about birding in New York to libraries across the State.
“Birding is an exceptional and affordable activity for all ages to connect with nature and learn more about the wildlife in our State,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, in announcing the effort, noted the program would reduce barriers to participating in birding.
Nationally, birding is an estimated $279 billion industry, with high participation rates in New York, where it contributes to the more than $20 billion in annual economic activity generated from outdoor recreation. The NYS Birding Trail which features dozens of locations for bird-watching throughout the year.
Included in the library lending kits are two backpacks, each containing a pair of binoculars and birding information and resources, including an I BIRD NY Pocket Guide to NYS Birds, a binoculars tip strip, a Beginner’s Guide to Birding booklet, and additional materials to help people get started with birding.
DEC will also provide libraries with electronic versions of the materials, including translations in additional languages, to help ensure the resources are more widely accessible.
The program’s announcement was held at the Frederick Douglass Community Library in Rochester — the first location to offer the binocular backpacks — in advance of World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 9.
There are up to 100 backpacks and materials available, so interested libraries are encouraged to inquire about participating in the program as soon as possible.
Visit www.ibirdny.org to learn more, view a complete list of included materials, and coming soon — locations that offer the program.
Interested libraries should contact DEC’s Office of Outdoor Recreation at birdtrail@dec.ny.gov or (518) 402-3730.
The new lending program is modeled after DEC’s popular I FISH NY Fishing Rod Lending Program, which is currently supported by 89 libraries across the state.
Read more about Birding in New York State – or about New York’s Birds.
Illustration: Jim Clayton photo of young birders at Utica Marsh provided by DEC.
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