Board updates: Conservation work continues into autumn
MBTCS President Jim Leitch shares his bluebird knowledge during one of five orientation tours held this spring. Special thanks to Kathy Koenig for sharing great photos from the day!
With bluebirds long gone for another season, the Mountain Bluebird Trails Conservation Society (MBTCS) is preparing for fall reporting while continuing to support nest box renewal and public education.
At its September 16 meeting, the MBTCS board reviewed progress from the season and priorities for the months ahead.
Trailmaster Steven Shumborski reported that 135 new nest boxes funded by the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta had been distributed or installed. Plans are underway to allocate the remaining boxes this fall, continuing the work made possible by the Foundation’s $3,720 grant.
MBTCS also invested $1,000 in copies of Myrna Pearman’s updated Mountain Bluebird Trail Monitoring Guide. The books are available for $10 each, with some copies to be donated to local schools to help introduce more young people to bluebird conservation.
Opportunities to learn extended onto the trails this summer. President Jim Leitch led five tours in June, welcoming new and returning participants to observe bluebirds and other wildlife. The board also congratulated Joe Michielsen on receiving the 2026 Blue Feather Award from Ellis Nature Centre. New trail monitor stories and Rick Andrews’ latest bluebird film are available on the MBTCS website.
The September treasurer’s report recorded a positive bank balance thanks to incredible donor support. Recent spending included nest box materials, monitoring guides and support for grant expenses.
Looking ahead, trail monitors who have not yet submitted their 2026 reports are encouraged to do so. These observations help document nesting results across the trail network. Photos and articles for the fall newsletter are welcome by mid-October, with publication planned for the end of the month.
Thank you to the trail monitors, volunteers, members and donors whose contributions keep this conservation work moving forward.