Supporter Spotlight: Bailey Conner
A Birthday Party for the Birds
Bailey Conner celebrated her birthday this year by really spreading her wings. She learned all about rainforests and their wonderful species in school and was enamored. Bailey and her classmates studied how animals live together in this ecosystem and even went so far as to build a rainforest inside their classroom.
“She came home each day with new rainforest facts like: a lot of our medicine comes from the rainforest,” her mother, Jessica, shared.
With her seventh birthday approaching, Bailey knew that she wanted a rainforest-themed party. The National Aviary, located right in downtown Pittsburgh, was at the top of the list. Upon discovering that Bailey and friends could meet a Macaw – one of Bailey’s favorite birds – her family knew it was the right place. Other winged guests included a parrot that painted Bailey a picture as a gift and an Aracari. Vibrant Aracaris are in the Toucan family, sporting bright plumage and large colorful beaks. They are found in Central and South American tropical rainforests high up in the canopy. Because Aracaris do not migrate, conserving their habitat is particularly important.
Bailey didn’t stop there, as she also wanted to help save the rainforest and its numerous species! To take her birthday the extra mile (or acre), instead of presents she collected money to donate for rainforest conservation. After learning about the threat of deforestation, Bailey knew she wanted to contribute to an organization that specialized in tropical forest conservation.
“Once Bailey collected money in lieu of presents, we wanted to donate the funds to Rainforest Trust to help save the animals,” Jessica explained. “We were happy to hear of the organization (Rainforest Trust) and all the great work they are doing to preserve the rainforest.”
Through her generous party, Bailey and her friends were able to raise enough money to save 25 acres of tropical rainforest.
Header photo: Rainforest Trust supporter Bailey Conner saved acres of tropical rainforest. Photo courtesy of Jessica Conner.