About

How this revolutionary club got its start...

It all began in May of 2006 when six young birders met with staff and volunteers from Black Swamp Bird Observatory to discuss forming a club for young people with an interest in birds and nature. What they helped create that day was the Ohio Young Birders Club: a program for youth ages 12-18.

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Since that fateful day in 2006, Black Swamp Bird Observatory's Ohio Young Birders Club (OYBC) has become a model for youth birding programs around the country. The BSBO staff has assisted in creating similar programs in more than twenty states and 2 other countries. To meet the geographical demand for the program, the OYBC has developed regional chapters to help connect young people with birds and nature - and bring them together with other like-minded young people from around the state and beyond. 

There are four advisors of the Mosquito Creek Chapter of the Ohio Young Birders Club: Jason Lee,  Becky Dobson, and Theresa and Steve Craiger.  Jason Is a science teacher and Mosquito Lake State Park Naturalist, Becky Is a retired science teacher. Theresa Is an elementary teacher and Steve Is the fire chief at a local fire department.  All four are passionate about birds and engaging young people In bird conservation.