Dear Audubon Community Nature Center Volunteers,

Winter is upon us. Stay warm!

Wow, time keeps moving so fast. Looking back on the past year, and this position as Administrative Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator, I am overwhelmed by many wonderful memories that I've made already. 

This position took off running with learning everyday tasks in addition to being involved with many wonderful events. I am so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community of members and volunteers, and very happy to be creating memories with all of you.

Thank you for contributing yet another year of volunteer service to Audubon Community Nature Center. We are grateful to each and every one of you!

To learn more about the volunteer opportunities listed below, please contact me, Sharon Tefft, at stefft@auduboncnc.org or by calling the Nature Center at (716) 569-2345. 

Volunteer Potluck Brunch

Thursday, January 23, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Bring your favorite potluck dish to share, as well as your ideas on how Audubon can spread the word about volunteering. A potluck brunch will be followed by a brief discussion around volunteer recruitment and retention, and your participation is appreciated. This is a free event for all current Audubon volunteers, but we do ask you to register ahead of time for planning purposes.   

Doors Open Jamestown 2025

Saturday, January 25, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Doors Open Jamestown is a free admission day at local museums and attractions. It’s designed to let area residents see our community as visitors often see us, and it is purposely held at what would normally be a slow time of year for museums and attractions.  

Volunteers Needed:  

• One to two volunteers monitoring tables that will include information on memberships, upcoming events, and rentals. 

• Two to four volunteers to monitor an educational table with animal furs, and float through the exhibit areas helping visitors with any questions.

• Time slots are 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. 

To volunteer for Doors Open Jamestown, contact Sharon Tefft at stefft@auduboncnc.org or by calling the Nature Center at (716) 569-2345.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Pie Bakers Needed!

In case you didn’t know, one of ACNC’s most popular fundraisers is the annual Pie Auction which takes place in honor of Pi Day (March 14) each year.

Volunteer bakers (staff, board, and ACNC volunteers) commit to making one (or two) of their favorite pie recipes to be auctioned off. Some pies sell for $100 or more! We need 20 bakers in total. 

Don’t believe it? You can check out last year’s auction here: 32auctions.com/organizations/115636/auctions/155806?r=1&t=all

If you are willing to make one (or two) of your favorite pies (sweet or savory), please email Leigh at lrovegno@auduboncnc.org with the following information.

Baker’s Name:

Preferred Nickname: If you don’t have one, we might give you one!

Pie Name:

Ingredient List:

Short Bio: recipe story, personal story, etc.

Pie/Baker photo: (see last year’s auction website for examples)

Birdseed Delivery Drivers: Ongoing

Audubon sells its birdseed to a variety of retailers in both Warren and Chautauqua counties including: Ashville General Store, Ekey Marketplace, Allegheny Outfitters, Wegmans, and more. Audubon staff took over this task from volunteers during the pandemic, but we would love to get some new folks on board to help. Volunteers must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and have their own vehicle for delivery. Audubon will reimburse volunteers for mileage. Please contact Joanne Miller, Gift Shop Manager, for more information at: jmiller@auduboncnc.org

Buildings and Grounds (OWLS): Ongoing

Audubon is open to the public seven days a week, all year long! An average of 1,500 people visit the trails each month to take a walk and build their connections to nature. Volunteer your time to help Terris Monroe, Audubon's Buildings and Grounds Manager, and ensure that the trails can remain open and accessible to all. Contact Terris directly for more information at: tmronroe@auduboncnc.org.

Mailing Committee: Thursday, February 13, 9:00 a.m.

Join the committee to prepare over 1,000 newsletters for mailing. Folders, tapers, and labelers are welcome and needed. There will be snacks and
coffee available.

Birdseed Order Pickup: Saturday, February 15, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

We need strong volunteers to help load birdseed bags into vehicles.

Breakfast with the Birds: Saturday, February 15, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Don’t worry, we aren’t having the birds for breakfast! Lend a hand for this fun event where attendees will enjoy a pancake breakfast and play bird-themed games. Volunteers are needed for preparing food, serving, admission, and scrubbing dishes. We will also need help polishing off leftovers if there are any!

To volunteer for one or more of these great opportunities, contact Sharon Tefft at stefft@auduboncnc.org or call the Nature Center at (716) 569-2345. 

Thank you for all that you do to support Audubon Community Nature Center's mission of connecting people to nature. We look look forward to seeing you again very soon!

Sharon Tefft

Volunteer Coordinator