Jamestown, NY – Audubon Community Nature Center has a tradition of recognizing volunteers and holding its annual meeting in late September.

This year’s event on Monday, September 25, is an unusually special occasion. In addition to Volunteer Appreciation Night, it is also a celebration of Audubon 60th anniversary.

“Sixty years ago a committed core of volunteers had the vision to create what has become Audubon Community Nature Center,” said Audubon President Ruth Lundin. “It is most appropriate that this milestone celebration highlights the many volunteers who continue to make it possible for us to connect people with the natural world!”

During Audubon’s 2016-2017 fiscal year, 311 volunteers logged more than 12,350 hours to support Audubon’s mission throughout all aspects of the organization. Lundin noted that volunteers contribute to every department – administration, buildings and grounds, education, research, conservation, and more.

Volunteers who have met landmarks in the number of hours they have served will be recognized, including those who have met one thousand, two thousand, and five thousand recorded hours of service.

The public is invited to participate in this festive evening. Social time with hors d’oeuvres and drinks begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner, dessert, and coffee at 6:00. New board members will be installed at the 6:45 business meeting. The Celebration of 60 Years and Volunteer Recognition is planned for 7:15 p.m.

Nature Center members are reminded they now have voting privileges and are asked to return their ballots by Monday, September 18.

The dinner prepared by 3C’s Catering will include locally raised produce. Cost is $20 per person. Paid reservations are required by Monday, September 18: Call (716) 569-2345 during business hours or register online.

With more than five miles of beautifully maintained trails, Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. Open daily, its three-story building contains interactive displays, a collection of live animals, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop. One of the most visited exhibits is Liberty, a non-releasable bald eagle housed in her outdoor habitat behind the Nature Center.  To learn more about Audubon and its many programscall (716) 569-2345 during business hours or visit auduboncnc.org.

Audubon Community Nature Center builds and nurtures connections between people and nature by providing positive outdoor experiences, opportunities to learn about and understand the natural world, and knowledge to act in environmentally responsible ways.