Our volunteers are some of the kindest, down-to-earth people I have ever met. I have found connections between the wide age-range of our participants, spanning from 8 to 80 and beyond. From gardening, having a helping hand in setting up events, or simply keeping the Nature Center tidy, we rely on the kindness of volunteers to make Audubon the place it is today. No matter what your age or experience is, Audubon has a community waiting for you. Seeing folks show up with a smile on their face, dedicating their time towards building a community is something I have not seen in many other places.

Volunteering not only has a lasting impact on the grounds at Audubon, but there are benefits that are gained in the mind, body, and soul. There is an increased sense of self-esteem and confidence, knowing you are using your time productively to help a greater cause. This, in turn, improves a sense of purpose to life itself. By dedicating time to tasks you are truly passionate about, there is a decrease in anxiety and stress. Working in the garden or helping at an Audubon event allows your mind to focus on things outside of your thoughts.

As one volunteer humorously said while on her knees working in the garden, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” I have gained a plethora of inspiration from how these folks don’t let age stop them from keeping a youthful energy around them. Their knowledge and dedication are things I admire. Physical movement keeps your body healthy. Whether it be using your hands in the garden or lending a hand in the maintenance shop, using your body as the greatest tool keeps joints flexible and builds muscle along the way.

A sense of ‘belonging’ in a tight-knit community extends beyond Audubon. By volunteering, this increases your social circle and actively combats feelings of loneliness and depression. Over time, relationships are created over common interests. There is a feeling of pride as you see progress and get to celebrate those milestones with like-minded individuals. At Audubon, you will find connections and conversations with people you never thought you’d cross paths with.

Volunteers are what make our trails a safe and beautiful place to explore.

Volunteering leaves a legacy, whose stories and craftsmanship still stand to tell the tale. One in particular, Larry Brown, dedicated 11,000 hours of his time to Audubon’s mission, a name I hear fondly through many conversations. I did not have the pleasure to meet Larry, but he is kept alive through stories and seeing the growth of his legacy through the trees he planted in our arboretum.

OWLs, a group that volunteers Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings, keep our trails maintained for visitors. Mowing lawns, trimming trees, or painting signage are some of many projects that our OWLs take up on. Audubon is lucky to have volunteers for our kitchen garden in the warmer months. The plants you pick from and taste in the peak of summer would not be possible without the hands of volunteers. Whether you pick up a shovel or pull a handful of weeds, no kindhearted action is too small at Audubon. If you find yourself with idle hands, there is always help appreciated at Audubon. The perks are endless – Not just for the free snacks or event passes, but for the laughter and lasting impact you have. Know that by volunteering, you are creating ‘good’ in a community. For all the volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy towards building Audubon into what it is today, this one’s for you.

Audubon Community Nature Center builds and nurtures connections between people and nature. ACNC is located just east of Route 62 between Warren and Jamestown. The trails are open from dawn to dusk and birds of prey can be viewed anytime the trails are open. The Nature Center is open from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily except Sunday when it opens at 1 p.m. More information can be found online at auduboncnc.org or by calling (716) 569-2345.