Grants in memory of Lilian Valder are awarded each year for conservation projects based in the Waikato region.
Lilian was a significant donor to Forest & Bird's Waikato Branch. In the 1930s, she and her sister converted a farm to native bush on the slopes of Mt Pirongia. Thirty-three years later, in 1963, she gifted what became known as the Walter Scott Reserve to Forest & Bird.
Each grant is usually up to $5000 and can be awarded to an individual or a group.
Grants are to support conservation-focused research, projects or advocacy being undertaken in the coming year.
There is no restriction on the type of project provided that it contributes to conservation in New Zealand
Previous grants have gone towards a range of projects such as monitoring hihi (stitchbird) at Maungatautari, researching falcon distribution, monitoring long-tailed bats (pekapeka) along the Waikato River, controlling possums, stoats and pest plants, and fencing of conservation areas.
Guidelines
Applications for the Valder Grant must:
- Support the achievement of national Forest & Bird objectives
- Contribute to the priorities and ongoing projects of Forest & Bird's Waikato branch
- Provide opportunities for Forest & Bird members to get involved
- Increase general awareness of conservation issues
Successful applicants will be required to present their results to the Waikato Branch when their research or project is completed.
Preference will be given to Forest & Bird members and local projects in the Waikato region and Coromandel.
The Valder Grant can be used for equipment, travel, and consumables. It cannot be used for food, accommodation, vehicle purchase, student study fees, equipment already available from the university, thesis production.
Applications
To apply for the Valder Grant, please download and complete the following application form and email to: waikato.branch@forestandbird.org.nz
Applications close on the 30th of September each year.