Brief Opportunity to Get Distinctive Audubon Shirts

Jamestown, N.Y. – When cut paper artist Wendy Bale moved from Wisconsin to Chautauqua County five years ago, she couldn’t have imagined the impact having her home and studio right down the road from Audubon Community Nature Center (ACNC) would have on her life.

Bale observed, “My work focuses on nature themes, especially birds and wildlife.  I get a thrill out of connecting with people over the common bond of enjoying the outdoors. What better place to do that than at Audubon?”

Now a member of Audubon’s board of directors, Bale has found a way to make her own unique contribution: She has created a distinctive design for T-shirts that can be purchased in a variety of styles and colors to raise funds to support the place she has come to love.

Bale’s original graphic is inspired by Liberty, the non-releasable Bald Eagle that resides at Audubon. Liberty was originally found in Washington State in 2001 with a severe injury to her wing. After she was rehabilitated, she was relocated to Audubon in 2002, where she has lived since. The text below Liberty’s image reads “For the Love of Liberty,” making it perfect for eagle and liberty lovers anywhere. 

For a limited time — July 1-21 only — anyone who would like to have a Liberty tee or hoodie can order directly at bonfire.com/for-the-love-of-liberty. 

You have your choice of six styles: classic unisex tee, long sleeve tee, pull-over hoodie, premium unisex tee, women’s slim fit, or youth unisex. Each style comes in a choice of up to five colors and a full size range, with the design printed in white ink. Once the T-shirt campaign is over and all orders have been received, the shirts will be printed and shipped directly to your address. 

All the net proceeds from shirt sales go directly back to supporting Audubon Community Nature Center’s mission of connecting people to nature. 

In expressing her appreciation for Bale’s work, Audubon President Leigh Rovegno noted, “We are so fortunate to have someone as talented as Wendy contribute her time and energy to Audubon Community Nature Center. Liberty is such a special part of who we are as an organization, and she has been with us for almost 20 years. This is a fantastic way to honor her, and to celebrate her impact on the Audubon community.” Rovegno added that Liberty is just one of the opportunities for visitors, who can also wander the six miles of trails, explore the nature play area with their kids, or enjoy the many indoor exhibits. 

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. Visit at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, N.Y., and Warren, Pa., or online at auduboncnc.org.