Happy Fall Audubon Volunteers,

Hopefully you are enjoying the transition of the seasons and taking advantage of this beautiful time of year.

There is a lot happening at Audubon Community Nature Center, even as it transitions into a colder season. Audubon's staff is grateful to each of you for contributing your time and talents, ensuring that Audubon can continue to serve the community by keeping the trails safe and accessible, the animals fed and cared for, and the events a continued success!

Thank You to ALL the Wonderful 

Enchanted Forest Volunteers!

There was perfect weather for Audubon's Enchanted Forest this year. The guest turnout was over 400. When all was said and done, volunteers popped 30lbs of popcorn and visitors went through 18 gallons of cider as they enjoyed live music in the backyard. On top of all of that, don't forget the wonderfully talented volunteer animal characters enchanting the forest. Thank you everyone!

Audubon’s Wild 5k Run/Walk is back!

Check in and Registration: 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Race Start: 9:30 a.m. 

 Awards: 10:45 a.m.

Fall is a great time to experience Audubon’s trails. The run/walk course takes participants through shady hemlock forests, over boardwalks, past fields, and back to the Nature Center.

Open Volunteer Positions:

Welcome Table for Preregistered Runners/Walkers and Same Day Sign Ups: 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. 

Hand out registration packets and t-shirts. Register walk-ins on the computer. Location: Seated inside auditorium. 
Three volunteers needed. 

Trail pointers/Cheerleaders: 8:30 – 10:45 a.m. 

 Encourage runners and walkers with cheers of support along the trail. You will also double as direction pointers along the Spatterdock trail intersection where the trail loops from behind spatterdock pond towards the tower and other key points. Location: Outside along trail, standing but could sit in a chair if needed.

Three or more volunteers needed.

Water Station: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. 
Set up and staff water station. Fill water cups. Cheer on runners/walkers. Location: Outside. standing on trail but could sit if needed.

Two volunteers needed.

Photographer: 9:15 – 10:45/11:30 a.m. 

Work with other photographers to station yourselves along the trail. Location: Outside, standing and walking.

Last Person/Trail Sweep: 9:15 – 11:00 a.m. (or until end of race) 
Follow the final runner/walker to report “all clear” to volunteers on trails and at finish line. Location: Outside, walking.

Two volunteers needed.                                   

Refreshment Table: 9:45 – 11:00 a.m. 
Hand out refreshements to runners/walkers. Location: Outside by the A-frame back porch.
One volunteer needed.

Finish Line: 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.  
Help record times and determine award winners. Location: Outside, standing or sitting at the finish line.
One volunteer needed.

Clean Up: 10:30 a.m. – Noon

Remove trail markers, water station, and trash on trails. Put away tables, take down signs, clean up trash and recycling, etc. One volunteer is needed to be able to drive the tractor or gator. Location: Outside, walking and lifting. 
Four volunteers needed. 

Contact Sharon Tefft to volunteer for this event or sign-up at the Lobby Volunteer desk.

Volunteer Opportunities

Fall Birdseed Sale Pick-up

Saturday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Greet customers and load birdseed bags into cars for the pre-ordered Birdseed Sale pick-up. There are two shifts available between 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Contact Lyntana Broughman for more information, or sign-up at the Volunteer Lobby Desk.

Mailing Committee: Thanksgiving Appeal mailing

Thursday, November 5, 9:00 a.m.

Help prepare the Annual Appeal letters for mailing. Folders, tapers, and labelers are needed. Snacks and coffee are provided. Contact Sharon Tefft to sign up.

Buildings and Grounds (OWLS)

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings, other times may be available. OWLS are a vital volunteer group at ACNC and assist with maintaining the trails, grounds, and buildings to ensure Audubon remains a beautiful and welcoming space for all visitors. OWLS also contribute to festivals, events, and exhibits through set up and special projects. All experience is welcome! Contact Terris Monroe.

Gardeners

Maintain and care for the Kitchen and Native Plant Gardens. For more information contact Katie Finch.

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

Save the Date

Thanksgiving with the Birds

Saturday, November 21, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Help prepare a Thanksgiving dinner with ACNC. Assist with set-up, food service, and/or clean-up. Contact Sharon Tefft to sign up.

Wreath Fundraiser Decorating Party

Tuesday, November 24, 9:00 a.m.

Come help Katie and Sharon decorate assembled wreaths using natural materials for ACNC's Holiday Wreath Sale. Contact Sharon Tefft to sign up.

To learn more about Volunteer opportunities, please contact ACNC's Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator Sharon Tefft at stefft@auduboncnc.org or by calling the Nature Center at (716) 569-2345.