WHSRN 40th Anniversary
Connecting the Hemisphere
Through Shorebirds
As the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network marks its 40th anniversary, it offers a moment to reflect not only on what has been achieved, but also on what has made those achievements possible.
Today, WHSRN connects 126 vital sites across 20 countries, bringing together 452 partners in the conservation of 15.9 million hectares of critical habitat for shorebirds. Reflecting on this trajectory, and as mentioned in this article written by James Lowen, Rob Clay highlights an ongoing priority: “An even bigger challenge… concerns connecting local to global, and global to local.” At its core, the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network’s work continues to bridge these scales, ensuring that local action contributes to global conservation outcomes and vice versa.
This anniversary is not only a celebration of a legacy, but a reaffirmation of a shared commitment to the future one built on connection, collaboration, and collective action across the Americas.
“Voices of WHSRN” Sharing Our Stories
Join the celebration by sharing your site’s story and being part of this milestone moment. You can also share photos and videos on social media by tagging @whrsn_rhap or using #WHSRN. You may also send your content by email to cgaleano@manomet.org so it can be shared across the Network.
When submitting materials, please include key information such as the name site, photo credit, the species featured, and anyrelevant details about the people shown in the image.
Thank you for sharing your site’s story and for being part of this celebration.
Calendar of Events
May 7th – 10th, 2026
Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival
For over three decades, this annual event has brought bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and the Cordova community together. Hear from keynote speaker Rob Clay, a global expert in migratory bird conservation and Director of the WHSRN Executive Office.
FAQ
Everything counts! You can organize bird counts, nature walks, school events, workshops, talks, art activities, or simply share your site’s work on social media. Participation is flexible and can be adapted to your site’s interests, needs and capacity.
All WHSRN sites and their local partners are welcome to participate: organizations, schools, community members, rangers, volunteers, guides, and more. The celebration is open and inclusive.
Because your site is part of a continental network. What happens locally has a real impact on thousands of shorebirds. By participating, you help strengthen connections across the network, celebrate local leadership, and highlight the value of your conservation work.
WHSRN’s Executive Office will offer communication materials, outreach templates, activity ideas, graphic resources, social media support, and visibility to help strengthen and amplify your local efforts.
Complete this form and, throughout the year, share photos and videos on social media by tagging @whrsn_rhap or using #WHSRN, or send materials to cgaleano@manomet.org to share with the Network. Please include key details such as site name, photo credit, species, andinformation about people shown.
