WFVZ -- Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology


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Our Members

In 2003 the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology started its first membership program, and as you can see, we had a great response! Many thanks to all of you who joined us as Charter Members, and to our newest members in 2005. Members’ contributions and positive energy help keep our materials available to researchers all over the world, and our doors open to educators and students in our local communities. They also help us produce newsletters, conduct field research, put on Open Houses, give tours, and do whatever we can to teach about conservation.

If you would like to join the WFVZ, please send us your Membership Application, or contact us by phone or e-mail!

The categories below represent the levels of giving by members. The bird species chosen have all been affected by changes in their environments, especially habitat alteration and chemical contamination. Habitat alteration is the leading cause of decline in bird species around the world, including in the United States. In addition to habitat change, the pesticide DDT also caused significant impacts to birds. DDT was used in the United States from ca. 1950 to 1970 and caused severe eggshell thinning in some raptorial and fish-eating birds. The effects of DDT were so severe for some species (such as the Peregrine Falcon, Brown Pelican, and Bald Eagle) that they nearly went extinct in portions of the U.S. Other species, such as the California Condor, seem also to have been affected by DDT accumulation, but experts do not agree on the extent of the damage.

The production and use of DDT in the U.S. was banned in 1972, partially based on evidence that came from ornithological collections around the world, including ours. We are glad to have played a part in both the ban on the substance and the later recovery of affected species. DDT is still used in other countries, however, so the work is not finished!

As part of our membership program, the WFVZ distributes a newsletter three times per year. This newsletter contains articles on recent WFVZ projects, collection acquisitions, special events, and other useful information. Black & white printed copies are available at the Foundation, or color electronic copies (in PDF format) can be downloaded by clicking on the links below. Copies are sent to all members and are given to all visitors at the WFVZ. If your business is interested in advertising in the newsletter, please contact us for more details.

The WFVZ publishes a free, quarterly newsletter to keep our Members, Board of Directors, Volunteers, Associates, and the community informed of our activities, resources, and events.

Winter 2003
Summer 2004
Winter/Spring 2005
Summer 2005
Winter/Spring 2006
Summer 2006
Winter 2007
Fall 2007
Spring 2008