We at the MS-GIST Program at the University of Arizona take great pleasure in announcing that Master’s of Science in Geographic Information Systems graduate and instructor Jennifer Psillas was recently recognized at the Tucson Parks and Recreation Commission Awards Presentation on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 for her contributions promoting a comprehensive birding map for the City of Tucson and surrounding areas. Jennifer, along with many of her colleagues, was presented this honor by Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild.

Jennifer has been highly active in the cartographic design of the hard copy maps in the brochures for this resource, and also spearheaded the production of the Esri Storymap with locations and images of the birding locations available. By making both of these mediums available to the public, Jennifer, along with collaborators Kendall Kroesen (Tucson Audubon Society) and Diane Sand (City of Tucson), have provided a resource to the public that encourages Tucsonans and tourists alike to take part in the unique birding opportunities that are available in this special part of the world—year round. In doing so, this project also encourages pursuance of conservation goals and responsible stewardship of the land.

Congratulations, Jennifer! We are so proud of your accomplishments and the hard work you put in to help make Tucson (and the Tucson GIS Community) a better place to be! Keep up the awesome work!