As we wrap up 2024, we all take time to reflect back on the highs, the lows, and the in-betweens. Oftentimes, we overlook the in-between times, forgetting just how important those are.
The in-between is where we exist much of the time. It is where we find balance and peace. Cheers to the in-between! Let's celebrate those times and be sure to cherish them as we navigate our way through another year filled with both highs and lows.
We hope you will take advantage of the opportunities below during your in-between time this January and February.
2025 Audubon Staff News
Audubon Community Nature Center's staff is made up of a variety of individuals who dedicate their time and talents to ensure that real and healthy connections to nature are being created for children throughout the community.
We have welcomed several new staff members in 2024 and we aren't finished just yet!
This January, please help Audubon welcome its two newest staff members, Paul Clemente, Fundraising and Events Coordinator, and Charlotte Schmaltz, Nature Educator.
Paul Clemente, Fundraising and Events Coordinator
Since 2017, Paul has been a creative and energetic force within the Jamestown community, producing live entertainment and fostering meaningful connections. His diverse experience includes comedy shows with Karate Sleepover, hosting Diamond Run Radio, and acting in films with Glamboy Productions.
As the Fundraising and Event Coordinator at Audubon Community Nature Center, Paul is thrilled to combine his skills in event planning and community building with his passion for nature. He looks forward to creating events that inspire and educate while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Charlotte graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies. Originally from Massachusetts, she has been fascinated by all kinds of nature for as long as she can remember, having spent much of her childhood exploring the region’s woods, wetlands, and beaches.
Since graduation, she Charlotte worked at nature and raptor centers across the country where she has conducted hundreds of environmental education and outreach programs.
One of Charlotte's favorite ways to relax and unwind is to go birding. Whether it’s on a trail or in her backyard, she loves listening to songbirds and observing their natural behaviors. Charlotte also enjoy sspending time with her family (both people and pets), drawing, and playing video games.
Order Pickup: Saturday, February 15, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Give your feathered friends a mid-winter treat and stock up on their favorite birdseed at a special price.
When you pick up your seed on Saturday, February 15, volunteers load it into your car. You also receive a 10% discount on most merchandise, including a variety of bird feeders and nest boxes, in the Blue Heron Gift Shop on that day.
Paid reservations required by Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Children ages 4 – 12 can explore outdoors, play, climb, run, and engage their senses as they discover all that winter embodies. They may explore how animals survive winter, discover who is still active in this season, the properties of snow and ice, and more. Learning and play are the themes of the day.
Children should dress for the weather, bring water, snacks, and a lunch that does not need refrigeration, and extras of anything that might get wet (so extras of everything!).
Snow Camp: Monday, February 17, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Snow Camp: Wednesday, February 19, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Volunteer News
Cheers to Larry Brown and his many years of volunteer service!
Larry Brown has dedicated much of his life to Audubon Community Nature Center. In fact, he has volunteered a total of 11,423.25 hours! Larry recently moved to Rochester to be closer to his daughter. We will miss seeing his smiling face, and his three-wheeled buggy out and about on the trails. Thank you, Larry!
Volunteer Opportunities
Spaghetti Dinner - Cancelled
Please note that the Spaghetti Dinner has been cancelled for this year due to a variety of other programs, projects, and priorities that require staff attention. Thank you to everyone who was willing to lend a hand!
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.
Animal Care Helpers: Ongoing
Tank cleaners are needed to help keep our turtles and fish happy! A Monday feeder for our reptiles and amphibians is an immediate need that we are looking to fill. Contact Emma Roth for more information at eroth@auduboncnc.org
2024 Jamestown Christmas Bird Count
2024 marked the 125 year of the Christmas Bird Count which is coordinated by the National Audubon Society. The Jamestown count has been taking place for 77 consecutive years!
The Jamestown count took place on Sunday, December 15, and included a total of 12 groups of dedicated birders. It's always amazing to discover just how many birds can be found right in the Nature Center's back yard. Pictured here is the motley crew of birders who recorded a total of 33 species and 154 individual birds at Audubon's Riverside Road location.
Thank you for being a part of the ACNC community! We hope to see you on the trails or at one or more of the exciting activities happening this month.
Sincerely, The Audubon Community Nature Center Team
Audubon Community Nature Center 1600 Riverside Road, Jamestown, NY 14701 716-569-2345 auduboncnc.org
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