About Us
Our Mission
The BC Young Birder Program founded by Melissa Hafting in 2014 promotes birding in youth aged 12-18 years old of all genders and races in several group field trips around the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Interior and Vancouver Island areas of British Columbia. The group promotes a welcoming environment where youth are treated with respect and dignity, and as equals. Our field trips encourage youth to get outside while promoting healthy lifestyles, connecting to birds and nature, while learning about bird biology, identification and conservation.
Youth in our group enjoy the simple joys of watching birds while fostering friendships and future bird conservation leaders. We are a BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive community.
In 2021, Melissa received the Daphne Solecki Award from BC Nature and was a finalist for The 2021 Nature Inspiration Awards from the Canadian Museum of Nature for her work with young birders.
Our Commitment To Diversity, Inclusion And Equity
This is a safe and inclusive group for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of colour) and 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning and additional sexual orientations and gender identities). Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join us.
