Dear Audubon Community Nature Center Volunteers,

A HUGE thank you to our incredible volunteers who showed up to help out for this year's Volunteer Day!

The day started off being sunny and bright, but even after some clouds and rain rolled in, our brave volunteers kept working to get projects done! A total of 25 volunteers and staff tackled a variety of projects including:

• Potting of 167 plants to be used at Audubon's Plant Sale on Saturday, May 17

• Adding wood chips and performing annual maintenance to the Nature Play Area

• Cleaning and prepping the outside turtle area so that it is ready for the Snapping Turtle to move into his summer residence

• Pulling Garlic Mustard and picking up logs and sticks in the Arboretum 

Volunteers also enjoyed lunch and good conversation amongst each other (as always).

As a reminder, please make sure to log your volunteer hours! Every hour counts, and we are incredibly proud to brag about your contributions.

2025 Volunteer Recognition Picnic

  Those being recognized on Friday May 9 for their volunteer hours:

                          100+ Hours                                  1000+ Hours

                      Rejeanne Butzer                             Paul Swanson

                        Nigil Weinman                               

                        Mary Williams                                 2000+ Hours

                                                                                 Don Sharp

                          250+ Hours                                  Ray Carlson

                          Jim Fincher                                    

                        Karen Sanders                               3000+ Hours

                         Bob Klebacha                                Ron Johnson

                        500+ Hours                                   Lifetime Achievement                                  Mark Mason                                   Bonnie Bowen 

                        Linda Trostle                                  Larry Brown

A New Chapter for Leigh Rovegno 

After nearly seven years of extraordinary leadership, our Executive Director, Leigh Rovegno, will be concluding her service with ACNC on June 21 to accept an exciting new opportunity. 

Leigh’s time at Audubon has been defined by growth, innovation, and a deep commitment to environmental education. While we are, of course, sad to see her leave, we are filled with gratitude for all she has accomplished and excited to see the positive impact she will continue to make across our region in her new role. 

Join us on Friday, June 6 from 4 – 6 p.m. for a Farewell Fiesta to celebrate Leigh's many contributions before her departure. We hope you will be part of this special occasion. 

Thank you for being part of the Audubon community family and for supporting us as we begin this next chapter together. 

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Administrative/Reception/Gift Shop Volunteer:
Tuesdays Starting July 1
Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Greet and direct guests from ACNC's Reception Desk! Our dearly beloved Bonnie Bowen is moving to Erie and she will be hard to replace. Comfort with and a general understanding of sales stations (point of sale) is helpful. This position is needed on Tuesdays weekly and ongoing. Email Sharon Tefft or call (716) 569-2345 for more information.

Nest Box Monitors

Informational Meeting: Friday, May 16, 2:00 p.m.
Terry LeBaron is lead

Help create reports to be shared with the Education Team so they know what boxes can be used for Discovery Walks and other programs. In addition, the data you collect will be used to monitor nesting bird populations from year to year.

What does a Nest Box Monitor do? 

• Decide the number of nest boxes to check once a week (whatever works best for your schedule). No need to open nest boxes during cold, wet weather, even if you have to skip a week monitoring your boxes. 

• Open each box and record your observation on a simple form.

• Don't touch eggs or nestlings.

• Submit your completed form weekly in box at the maintenance building.

Attending the informational meeting is not required, but it is encouraged.

Email Sharon Tefft or call (716) 569-2345 to sign up!

Plant Sale

Saturday, May 17, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Help set up for the sale and sell plants at this favorite spring event. Email Sharon Tefft to sign up.

Mailing Committee 

Monday, June 16 at 9:00 a.m., July/August Newsletter  

Help prepare over 1,000 newsletters for mailing. Folders, tapers, and labelers are needed. There will be snacks and coffee available. Contact Sharon Tefft to sign up.

*Mailing Committee usually meets on Thursdays for mailings. June mailing is moved to Monday due to a scheduling conflict.

Dragons and Fairies Festival 

June 15, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

This wonderfully magical event is coming up! Last year, 56 volunteers helped children and families make crafts, navigate the obstacle course, enjoy carriage rides, and more. Contact Sharon Tefft to sign up. Volunteer Lobby Board Sign-up sheet coming soon.  

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. Email Terris for more information.

Save the Date!

Plant Sale

Saturday, May 17, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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Stop by this year’s plant sale to pick out some new plants for your garden! There will be a large selection of native plants, as well as annuals, perennial plants, trees, and shrubs. Plants are from local greenhouses and Audubon’s gardens.

Pick up some gently used garden equipment, décor, tools, and pots at the ‘Garden Treasures’ tent. Volunteer Master Gardeners will be on hand to give advice at the advice table.

• $3.00 per 4-inch pot

• $5.00 per 6 - 8-inch pot

• $10 per 10-inch pot

Please note that Audubon will not be accepting plants for trade/exchange this year due to the threat of jumping worms.

Dragons and Fairies Festival

Saturday, June 21, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Dragons and Fairies Festival transforms the grounds of Audubon into a delightful mix of all things magical. Prepare for magical crafts, activities, and adventures. Adults and children alike are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes.

Visitors can try their hand at kid-safe archery, make a wizard staff, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, jump into a drum circle, make a wish on the wishing tree, hunt for garden gnomes, and so much more.

Thank you for continuing to share your time and talents with Audubon Community Nature Center. We are so grateful for you!

Sharon Tefft, ACNC Volunteer Coordinator