Iowa Young Birders recently received a $4,000 donation in memory of the late Don Sievers, lifelong Iowa birder and outdoor educator for the Department of Natural Resources at the Springbrook Conservation Education Center. The award was presented to Iowa Young Birders by Don's children, Shelby VanNordstrand, Chris Sievers, and Ashley Sievers, to honor their dad by helping educate young Iowans about the beautiful birds our state has to offer. 

"We are extremely humbled by and grateful for this generous gift", said Executive Director Tyler Harms. "We are honored to continue Don's legacy of outdoor education and respect for nature through our programs".

You can read more about Don below, including some of his favorite birding spots, in a note provided by his children, Shelby, Chris, and Ashley.

The children of Don Sievers are pleased to present this memorial gift of $4,000 to Iowa Young Birders.  There is no better way to honor our Dad than by helping this organization educate young Iowans about the beautiful birds this state has to offer.  Our wish is for these youth to grow up in Iowa with the same appreciation and respect for nature that our dad instilled in us.  We cherish these lessons as we pass them on to our own children with help from the available programs and events that Iowa Young Birders offers.

Whether it was banding birds at Springbrook Conservation Education Center or driving around the Greene county countryside, our dad was at peace outdoors.  He enjoyed the simple things in life; a cup of coffee and pair of binoculars always within reach.  His passion for the outdoors was only matched by his desire to spread nature’s offerings to others.

Many donations from friends and family have made this gift possible.  We trust that these gifts will provide great opportunities for Iowa’s youth and encourage all to spend more time outdoors with family.

Sincerely,

Shelby VanNordstrand

Chris Sievers

Ashley Sievers

Don lost his battle with pancreatic cancer over 3 years ago.  He and his late wife, Suzanne, raised their family in Jefferson.  He worked for the Iowa DNR for 34 years at Springbrook Conservation Education Center.

Please check out some of Don’s favorite birding spots in Greene and Guthrie counties: Goose Lake, Dunbar Slough, Finn Pond, Springbrook State Park, McMahon Access, Henderson Park