Western Bat Working Group: Bob Berry Fund

Bob Berry Scholarship Fund

We are now accepting donations for the Bob Berry Fund. Patricia Brown will match contributions up to $1000. The impetus behind this fund is to perpetuate Bob´s memory in the way that he assisted aspiring bat biologists the most. He used his engineering and computer skills to refine the tools of bat field work, and to help people to understand the different and changing technologies. Bob worked best one-on-one and patiently offered his expertise to students and agency biologists. He loved challenges.

The criteria for the award are:
The demonstrated need for specific equipment (i.e. bat detectors, telemetry equipment, night vision, etc.) or technological training to further bat field research and/or conservation. The probability that the results of the research or surveys will help to perpetuate bat conservation in the Western United States, and the initial investment will continue to return benefits.

Selection of recipient:
Application information will be announced around in January. The recipient will be a student or an agency biologist that needs a "grubstake" to begin or sustain bat research or surveys. The first award will be given at the biannual WBWG meeting in Austin in April 2009. Depending on the amount of donations, we hope to continue the award beyond this year. The award can be in cash, training or equipment. If the application is for equipment, it’s possible that we can have vendors donate part to leverage our award. A future goal could be to establish a lending "library" of bat research equipment, if we can find the librarian to maintain it. The funds could be used for equipment maintenance.

Announcement of 2009 Bob Berry Scholarship Fund Competition

Begin your donation transaction here:

Note: You do not need a PayPal account to make a donation.

You could send your donation to:

Western Bat Working Group
Bob Berry Fund
PO Box 2153
Rapid City, SD 57709