Audubon Center of the North Woods
News from the North Woods
Winter/Spring 2013 Volume 39, Issue 1
A proud leader in environmental education and renewable energy In This Issue Renovations & Introductions
1
Growing Season
1
Leading News on Lead
2
Calling All Science Teachers!
3
Wish Lists
4
Newest Animal Staff Member 4 Managing the Land
5
Volunteer Spotlight
5
2012-2013 Programs/Events
6-7
New Staff
8
Open House & Trail Run/Walk 9 Spotlight on Schools
9
Help Wanted
10
Alumni News
10
Thank You
11
Upcoming Events See pages 6-7 for a complete listing of events & programs Dinner at the Lake February 16, 2013 Becoming an Outdoor Woman February 22-24, 2013 Maple Syrup Day March 16, 2013 Dinner at the Lake April 20, 2013 Women’s Wellness & Adventure May 3-5, 2013 Mother’s Day Brunch May 12, 2013 Birding Bonanza Weekenfd June 7-9. 2013 Special Dinner at the Lake June 16, 2013 Water, Woods & Wisdom family camp, June 16-22, 2013 Forkhorn II Camp July 29 - August 2, 2013 Motorcycling Scenic MN Tour July 8-12. 2013
Renovations & Introductions
Growing Season
by Bryan Wood, Co-Director
by Melonie Shipman, Co-Director
Thank you to all of you who made a contribution during our annual appeal this fall. We are continually inspired by the generosity and commitment people show us through their donations. It is with your support that we are able to provide the many learning opportunities and programs that continue to change lives and make a difference for the environment.
Recently, a staff member commented about the joy she had in receiving her first seed catalog of the new season. Unlike her vegetable garden, the growing season here at the Center runs from late August to mid-June and the crop is the future leaders in environmental and outdoor education. We look over the catalog of 70 or more intern applications in January. They come from all over the country and the world. We make our selections based on what best fits our garden needs and the habitat we provide for individual growth. Our garden plots will include: adventure and grounds intern, several wildlife interns, possibly a charter school and or curriculum develop-ment intern. In the future a business development/marketing intern may be able to grow here.
It is through an initial act of generosity that the Center owes its existence. In 1968, when Marguerite Schwyzer passed away, she bequeathed the land and buildings of the Schwyzer Family Farmstead to the National Audubon Society to be used as a nature sanctuary and environmental learning facility. Fortyfive years later, the Audubon Center of the North Woods continues to be a leader in environmental education, and we owe a great deal of gratitude to the Schwyzers for allowing the Center to be what it is today. Schwyzer Lodge, the farm house, is an important part of the history and charm of the Center, and we have recently completed renovations on that historic lodge to ensure it is preserved and comfortable for our participants and visitors for years to come.
These seeds must be able to handle the drought of time off, especially at the start and end of the growing season. They must be able to thrive with all types of audiences, in all types of weather, and sometimes nearly choked out with responsibilities – K12 teaching, focus area development, Hamline classes and liaison duties for K12 and adult groups.
Through the receipt of a grant from the Minnesota Historical Society, we recently renovated all 38 exterior windows of Schwyzer Lodge, improving visitor comfort, envelope integrity, and historical accuracy. The work was done by
They will be planted in the communal living of the staff house. Possibly they will receive added care through our adopt-an-intern program. They will be well-fed. The seedlings growth will be watered by abundant learning as they work
— continued on page 3 —
— continued on page 8 —
Page 2
News from the North Woods
Winter/Spring 2013
The Leading News on Lead by Anna Keenan, Wildlife Apprentice
The day was a beautiful glow of autumn leaves, the forest taking a deep slow breath before plunging into the frosty silence of winter. Blue skies danced with the reds and oranges of the last leaves clinging to oaks and aspens. The crisp air and vibrant colors proved a stark contrast to the scene being played out on the ground below. After nearly an hour of scrambling through unruly buckthorn and over deadfalls, I had finished what I came to do. An adult bald eagle was desperately clinging to life in my arms. The bird’s breath came in ragged gasps and I could feel his quick-beating heart against my chest as I carried him to the crate waiting in the grass. Just a few hours after his rescue, the eagle was transferred from the Audubon Center of the North Woods to the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center. Unfortunately, the bird that I had fought so hard to save was euthanized due to extremely high levels of lead toxicity in its bloodstream. Although we did everything we could, there was nothing that could be done to prevent blindness, vomiting, seizures and excruciating pain. Lead has long been determined a toxic substance. The United States has eliminated the majority of lead from mainstream society. By the turn of the 20th century it was removed from paint and fuel and in 1991 lead shot was banned
from waterfowl hunting. According to the USGS, “an early study estimated that up to 3 percent of all waterfowl in North America died annually from lead poisoning…” By banning lead shot from waterfowl hunting, the law enforced the protection of all waterfowl species as well as their predators. Conversely, the issue of lead is still at large for other hunting and fishing purposes in our country today. Lead ammunition
Furthermore, lead poses a threat to humans who ingest game animals containing small bits of lead ammunition. Children exposed to lead suffer from poor development of the nervous system and learning disorders. As is the same with other animals, severe cases of lead poisoning may cause confusion, seizures, coma, and death.
Fortunately, the issue of lead is a simple one. As Minnesotans, we either hunt and fish or know someone who does. It is very easy This Bald Eagle can no longer hold its to make the choice to purchase head up due to lead poisoning. non-lead ammunition/sinkers for (source: soarraptors.org and abcbirds.org) little to no cost difference. If we as humans can begin to use nontoxic ammunition and fishing tackle is being produced and sold in the United such as copper or steel, we can protect all States just as it was thirty years ago. Every living things including ourselves. After all, year, thousands of waterfowl along with as the Center for Biological Diversity has loons, swans, and pelicans suffer from pointed out, “How many times should a lead poisoning through the ingestion of bullet kill?” lead fishing tackle. Similarly, bald eagles and other birds of prey ingest fragments For more information about lead and of lead shot found in deer gut piles left by lead-free ammunition please visit: hunters. A piece of lead shrapnel the size www.biologicaldiversity.org/ of a grain of rice is enough to kill an adult campaigns/get_the_lead_out/ bald eagle in as little as three days. And that kind of death is not an easy one. Birds www.soarraptors.org/ HuntLeadFree.html with lead poisoning exhibit blindness, disorientation, seizures, and vomiting. www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu/ MedicalServices/RaptorMedicine/ LeadPoisoning
Friend a Wild Critter
Top photo: A Common Loon who has died from the ingestion of this lead tackle while trying to eat a fish (source: tufts.edu) Bottom photo: Radiograph of a Bald Eagle who has ingested lead (source:biologicaldiversity.org)
www.audubon-center.org
Help support the care of any of our resident education birds and animals through our “Friend a Wild Critter” program. Your donation goes towards housing, medical care, food and enrichment items, to help encourage natural behavior in our non-releasable birds and mammals. As part of the adoption process, you will receive a 4x6 magnet photo of the animal, an “Adoption Certificate”, a personal and natural history of “your” animal, recognition in our newsletter, and a tour of the ACNW wildlife facility. For more information, please contact Jeff Tyson, our Wildlife Coordinator or visit our website. 888-404-7743
Winter/Spring 2013
News from the North Woods
Page 3
— continued from page 1 —
Old World Windows of Duluth, and they re-glazed all the panes of the original double-hung windows, replaced the ropes for the pulley system on the windows, as well as tightened cam locks, added weather stripping, and repaired jams and sills. In addition, the aluminum framed screen and storm combination windows were replaced with separate period correct wooden framed storm and screen windows, made from salvaged old-growth wood. Because the lodge is 110 years old and things have shifted and settled over time, each window, storm and screen insert had to be individually cut to fit the exact dimensions of that window opening. The results of this hard work are wonderful. The lodge windows now look like they should from 100 years ago, are in terrific shape, and provide a tighter, cozier envelope barrier to the outside elements, while improving the aesthetics. In addition to the window renovation, we also remodeled the back bedroom, hallway and staircase to blend it in with the rest of the lodge. The finished product is an area that blends seamlessly with the rest of the lodge, and if you didn’t know what it looked like before, you might assume it has always looked this way. We are excited to continue to improve the visitor experience for our guests at Nationally Registered Historic Schwyzer Lodge. We hope you will see for yourself. This fall has also been exciting in that we have a new Executive Chef to introduce. Many of you are familiar with our previous chef, Tom Stelter, who for 10 years raised the level of our food service to new heights, creating a reputation in the area for delicious meals. We are so thankful for Tom’s years of service at the Center. We have the great fortune to have found an exceptionally well qualified individual to take over as Executive Chef and it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you Cynthia Dickinson (see page 8). Cynthia comes to us most recently as Chef for the Minnesota State Capitol, and has an extensive and impressive culinary background that includes catering, restaurants, lodges and resorts. Since joining the staff in September, guests have been raving about the food. Cynthia’s skills allow us to continue to improve our food service abilities and options. One of the new directions we are focusing on is that we have moved to a primarily scratch-based kitchen, meaning we prepare many of our meals from the basic, raw ingredients so that they are freshly made in our kitchen. We also have built more local food partnerships and are now buying our beef, pork, and poultry from an organic, free-range farm in Grantsburg, WI. The amazing flavor and quality of the meats are immediately tasted, and we are excited to support local farmers who are modeling best practices for their animals and the earth. We are also partnering with local vegetable growers to purchase much of our produce locally during the growing season. We are exciting for these steps forward we are making, and invite you to taste the results!
Calling All Science Teachers! This year the Audubon Center of the North Woods will be hosting the Will Steger Foundation’s Summer Institute for Climate Change Education, June 16-18, 2013. We are thrilled to work with the foundation to provide the setting for the 2-night, 3-day workshop focusing on energy education. As climate change impacts become a daily reality, it is even more important to develop energy-literate students with a new vision of what our energy future needs to look like. Energy efficiency, conservation and renewable technologies are part of the solution to climate change involving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) principles that can be integrated into your educational setting. With grant funding from the Center for the Energy and Environment, the Foundation is able to provide the training to teachers at the incredibly low cost of $70/person. That includes all meals, lodging, instruction and workshops during your stay. This Teachers’ Institute is a great resource to help teachers gain the tools to be able to integrate these subjects into their classrooms with the necessary knowledge and confidence. To find out more and sign up, visit the Will Steger Foundation’s website at willstegerfoundation.org and hurry, spots are limited! www.audubon-center.org
888-404-7743
Page 4
News from the North Woods
Newest Animal Staff Member We welcomed our newest member of our animal teaching staff this fall – Poppy.* She is a five month old domestic doe rabbit. We chose a Netherland Dwarf and Lop mix, rather than a native Eastern Cottontail because they experience high stress in captivity. This rabbit will take over teaching duties for Delilah the gray squirrel who has moved back to Duluth to live at Wildwoods Rehabilitation. Poppy will teach in our Minnesota Wildlife Evening program, Animal Signs, and Minnesota Mammals. Rabbits belong to the mammal order Lagomorpha, not rodents as many people believe. The order Lagomorpha is split into two families: Ochotonidae (pikas) and Leporidae (hares and rabbits). All breeds of domestic rabbits are descended from one species of wild European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus. If you would like to help support the care of Poppy, you may choose to “Friend” her through our Friend a Wild Critter program. * In December, we held a naming contest for our new rabbit. Audubon Center staff narrowed down the many rabbit name entries to these four finalists: l
l
l
l
Sylvia, which was short for the genus name of the Cottontail Rabbit, Sylvilagus Luna, which is a reference to the many folklore stories of the moon and the rabbit Nimbus. No specific reason was given, but her coloration is reminiscent of a Nimbus cloud Poppy. No specific reason was given, but it was chosen as a finalists as it made us think of Poppy Frater a former wildlife intern (08-09). ç Emily Mehr (also a former intern 08-09) was the one who submitted the winning name Poppy. Congratulations to Emily for submitting the winning name..and to Poppy Frater è for having our rabbit named in honor of her!
www.audubon-center.org
Winter/Spring 2013
ACNW Wish List We are in need of the items below. Remember, your ‘in-kind’ donations are tax-deductible. Additional ‘wished for’ items can be found by visiting our AmazonWish List – simply log into amazon.com with your email address and select “Find a wish list or registry” from the dropdown menu (upper right). Type in ‘Audubon Center of the NorthWoods’ in the wish list search box and click ‘Go’
n utility trailer n reliable, fuel-efficient car for interns n 3/4 ton pick-up truck for snowplowing n canoe trailer n chainsaw n industrial-size washer & dryer n pressure sprayer n twin mattresses in excellent condition n handheld GPS units n tree corer n firewood n cross country skis & snowshoes for very small kids n backpacking expedition packs n sleeping bags in excellent condition n ice machine n cleaning buckets n large mixing bowls n vacuum cleaner in good working order n table lamps n large stock pots n vellux blankets in excellent condition n bobcat/skidster n electric golf cart n riding mower/tractor n lawn sweeper n gas leaf blower
Wildlife Barn Wish List We have compiled a list of the following items that would assist us in the care of our educational animals or enhance the visit of those who come to learn about Minnesota’s wildlife. If you have or would like to purchase one of the following items it would be greatly appreciated. Rope comes on 100’ or 600’ spools, donations should be in whole spools. Raptor food is special ordered; the cash donation will go towards food purchases. Many more items can be found on our Amazon.com wish list search “Audubon Center of the North Woods” under wish lists.
n Autoclave n ¾” Manila Rope (Available from Amazon.com wish list) n ½” Manila Rope (Available from Amazon.com wish list) n ¼” Manila Rope (Available from Amazon.com wish list) n Raptor Food For a Month $150 n Parrot/dog toys (new or gently used) n Potted evergreen trees (less than 3’ tall) n Bird/Wildlife Art Work n Gift cards to Petco or Petsmart n Assorted Rubbermaid storage containers 888-404-7743
Winter/Spring 2013
News from the North Woods
Page 5
Managing the Land for Diversity Nurturing healthy and diverse habitats on our land is an important part of what we do at the Center. As an environmental learning center, it is our duty to model the best land management practices including sustainable, selective timber harvesting, exotic species removal and native habitat restoration. We continue to work on these fronts to create a rich mix of environments and habitats on our 535 acres. When the Schwyzer Farmstead was bequeathed to the National Audubon Society in 1968, there were decades-old red and scotch pine plantations, as well as recently farmed fields of hay and row crops. It has been a continuous, evolving process of restoring the land, with the bringing back of previously drained wetlands, the planting of native prairie grasses, and selective harvests on the pine plantations.
This November we had our second selective harvest done on the 55+ year old red pine plantations to open up more canopy space for sunlight to reach the forest floor and allow for better regeneration. Generally,
in order to grow, pines need disturbance to create openings in the canopy so seedlings get the necessary amount of sunlight needed to sprout up. Historically that has been achieved by forest fires started through lightning strikes, but since fires are not allowed to burn unchecked with people permanently inhabiting Minnesota’s woodlands, timber harvesting can be a fairly good substitute. It depends on the way the harvest is conducted though, in order for it to be beneficial to pines. For instance, harvesting when there is not snow on the ground allows the logging machinery to scarify the soil to help seedlings take root. Also, by carrying off most of the branches and crowns (removing the “slash�), bare mineral soil is exposed, similar to conditions after a forest fire has cleared the forest floor debris, opening the opportunity for pines to take off. We worked with foresters to mark the trees we wanted thinned out, based on basal area ranges of the forest that are optimal for pine regeneration. We awarded the bid to Potlatch, Inc. and the harvest was completed in less than one month, with great results. The crews did what we wanted for specific, selective harvesting with the type of equipment we wanted used, and left the woods in very good condition. Part of the harvest was removing all the remaining plantation non-native scotch pines, eliminating their seed source so natives like balsam fir, red
and white oak, and red maples can lead in the forest succession. In addition to the timber harvest, this spring we will begin the process of creating an oak savanna on our property. Three years ago we turned a 10-acre fallow field into a thriving tall-grass prairie. With the help of a grant received from the Donald Weesner Foundation, we will continue our land management by planting 16 bur oaks in the 10-acre prairie this spring in an attempt to recreate a
native oak savanna. Oak savannas are one of the most endangered habitats in North America, a natural transition habitat from prairies to deciduous woodlands. Because they were perfect places for farming and settlements, less than 3/10 of 1% is left in the U.S. today. Consequently, many of the most imperiled bird and wildlife species in the U.S. are inhabitants of oak savanna. It is our hope that through our efforts, we will create a small, but healthy community that those oak savanna dwellers, such as red-headed woodpeckers, can call it home.
Volunteer Spotlight
As a non-profit organization, we depend on volunteers for help with everything from routine maintenance to special projects. All of the special people who selflessly donate their time and talents to the center are deeply appreciated. The following is from Gayla Olson, a retired teacher from the Hinckley school district who, with her husband Dennis, volunteers here at the Center in a variety of capacities... THANK YOU GAYLA!
My husband, Dennis and I volunteer at the Audubon Center of the North Woods for several reasons. We, first of all, agree wholeheartedly with both your mission and your vision! We want a healthy planet for our children and grandchildren to live in and we feel that ACNW does an excellent job of promoting environmental health! We love being out of doors and it is just plain FUN to be at the Center......what better use could we make of our time? If you are interested in volunteering some time please contact us. We are interested to hear about your areas of expertise and we have a growing list of specific jobs we could use your help. We do not have a minimum hour requirement. Any amount of time would be a great asset. www.audubon-center.org
888-404-7743
Page 6
News from the North Woods
Winter/Spring 2013
PROGR AM S & E VE NT S. . . . . Maple Syrup Day/Brunch
3 201 l l fa for d e tun y a t S
tes a d 4 201 g n i r - sp
‘Autumn at the Audubon’ Open House & Renewable Trail Run/Walk Saturday, September 21, 2013
Date cha
Sunset Pontoon Tours of Grindstone Lake
www.audubon-center.org
888-404-7743
nge
Winter/Spring 2013
News from the North Woods
Page 7
. . . . . Fall 201 2 t hrough 201 3 Women’s Wellness & Adventure Weekend
Birding ‘Bonanza’ Festival
Now taking reservations – space fills so don’t delay
2013
Motorcycling Scenic Minnesota Tour 2013
July 8-12, 2013
Winter Family Escape During holiday break
Forkhorn II Camp
Scholarships available!
July 9 - August 2, 2013
Road Scholar® Programs
www.audubon-center.org
888-404-7743
Page 8
News from the North Woods
Meet Our New Staff Cynthia Dickinson:
Executive Chef... I grew up on the Mesabi Iron Range and my dad was an Environmental Engineer for a local mining company. That’s pretty much influenced me in many ways and ultimately, led me to working at ACNW. I love that I work with people and in a place where we try our best to make decisions that lead to a healthier, more sustainable people and planet. As a chef, this is most certainly the best “cheffing” I’ve done in 20 years of cooking. My last position was Chef for the Minnesota State Capitol and my training has come from Chef’s Dean Harris, Mike Sneen (of D’Amico Catering) and Lenny Russo (Heartland). And I’ve cooked everything from tail-gate parties at the Saints parking lot to 7-course dinners for dignitaries. I hope you all enjoy your meals with us in the future!
Roberta ‘Berta’ Volk:
Housekeeping... As a long-time resident of the Sandstone area, I’m very happy to be working here at the Center, which is very close to my home. It is such a beautiful location that every time I drive through the front gate I get a sense of peace and place. Although I’ve only been here since August, everyone is so nice that I already feel like they are part of my family and I am part of theirs. In addition to housekeeping duties, I also have occasional opportunities to fill-in during busy times in the kitchen or to assist Ty with routine maintenance, and I love being able to help out where needed.
Winter/Spring 2013 — continued from page 1 —
towards a 10-credit EE certificate from Hamline University. Their growth will be well-fertilized by enrichment opportunities such as visits to similar organizations, some of the charter schools authorized by the Audubon Center of the North Woods, and other RELCs, as well as the network building so critical to their future. Throughout the growing season, we hear about their seed preparation before they even arrived at our doors. For instance, our charter school apprentice, Troy Douglas, would have been a high school drop out had it not been for attending an environmentallyfocused charter school. Next season, he will be our new Intern Coordinator. He is currently working on his Master’s degree with plans to become a Director of an environmental charter school. Intern Jess Mack was inspired to work with raptors because she saw a bird program as a youth. Intern Autumn Henry was fascinated by museum dioramas and now is developing an amazing biofact display for Crosby Lounge. Intern Megan Cook dreamed of being a naturalist since she was seven years old and is a natural at raptor handling. And every year when spring comes, they are amazed and we are amazed at how much they have grown as educators, wildlife handlers, people. Some will have a longer growing season. Most will be harvested in mid-June. Many will sprout new limbs by going on to graduate school or doctorate degrees. Others will disperse seeds of their own to future audiences. Former intern Eddy Ngangi, now a graduate student at UMD, will return to his country of Cameroon in Africa to be among the first to introduce environmental education there. Intern Noel Cockney will one day return to his people on the Arctic Ocean and reintroduce the traditional ways of interacting with nature. Former intern/staff Fir Drayna became a permanent staff naturalist with the National Eagle Center. As a staff member, seeing an intern take the opportunity to bloom and grow is as invigorating as it is to feast on our vegetable garden harvest. And when the growing season ends, we are thankful for the bounty and sad that it is over – for this growing season. Enjoy the bright, thriving blooms with us when you attend a program or visit the Center.
www.audubon-center.org
888-404-7743
Winter/Spring 2013
News from the North Woods
Page 9
$15/adult, $10/child (5-12 years) Group discounts (10 or more people) are available, making this a perfect event for scouts, youth groups, etc.
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED 888-404-7743
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AudubonCenter
Spotlight on schools The Audubon Center presented programs for 78 K-12 public and charter schools in 2011-2012. Helping students and teachers to see the natural world with new eyes spurs them to further environmentally-focused actions in their schools. We celebrate this seed sprouting into a world in which we all live in balance with nature. If you know of a school that attends programs at the Audubon Center, and is to be celebrated for its science and/or environmental actions, please let us know so we can turn the spotlight on them in future columns.
Congratulations to
Vermilion Country Charter School for obtaining start-up funding! This new charter school in Tower, MN, with a focus on hands-on, projectbased learning, was selected for start-up funding in Round One of the Minnesota’s Federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grant Project! As authorizer of Vermilion Country Charter School, the Center is excited that this new charter school has received start-up funding to begin operations in 2013 and look forward working with them!
www.audubon-center.org
Kudos to Crosslake
Community School in Crosslake, MN on their successful ‘Give To the Max’ Event in November! This ACNWauthorized charter school participated in GiveMN’s annual ‘Give to the Max Day’ on November 15, 2012 and held their fall PTO spaghetti dinner in conjunction with the event. The PTO raised $4,000 at the dinner and the school raised $7770 with pledges for ‘Give to the Max’ and had a matching donor. The total raised was $15,540.
Way to go Deb Mathias,
director of Glacial Hills Elementary School! Deb partnered with a local farmer to pursue a grant from Monsanto Company for technology upgrades at this ACNW-authorized charter school in Starbuck, MN. They were recently informed that they have been granted $10,000 for their “Linking Technology to the School Garden” submission. The grant will help with the purchasing of tablets and a weather station to implement the goals of the grant.
Great news from
Discovery Public School, an ACNW-authorized charter school in Fairibault, MN. With the help of a $300.00 grant from RCCHC (Rice County Chemical Health Coalition), teacher Delica Caldwell and 10th grade student, Tommy Parkos, have formed “Discovery School Star Gazing Club”. The grant money is helping to pay for supplies, food, and gas for field trips.
888-404-7743
Page 10
News from the North Woods
Winter/Spring 2013
Ways you can support the Audubon Center of the North Woods • Become a member • Friend a Wild Critter program donations • In-Kind donations - See our current ‘Wish Lists’ on page 4 for items we need. • Memorial donations • Scholarship donations • ‘Give to the Max’ Day matching grants • Legacy gifts and IRA transfers
• Planned Giving and Bequests • Volunteer • Help us market our programs. If you have outlets where you can put up a flyer or share information on any of our programs, let us know. Participate in our programs, our special events, and our courses. Visit us, bring others and introduce your friends to us.
For more info on how you can help, visit the support page of our website or give us a call
Help Wanted!
General Volunteer Opportunities
Non-profits like the Audubon Center of the North Woods depend upon volunteers who generously give their time, energy and skills to help us succeed. We would welcome your assistance in any of the following areas. Interested? Contact Sandy (320-245-2648 or audubon1@audubon-center.,org) to discuss helping with any of the following tasks. She will provide you with any requirements or special skills needed and set you up with task-specific leader. Thank you! Special Volunteer Opportunities
Why Volunteer?
Occasional Saturday front-desk
There are many benefits to volunteering your time and talents. You’ll meet new people, gain experience, build your skills and resume, while making a big difference to a non-profit like Audubon Center of the North Woods.
Answer phones, run gift shop, greet guests, respond to questions. Some computer experience helpful. (Approximately once Saturday per month, hours 9 am to 1-3 pm)
Not only that, but you will also get to know us better and be able to enjoy the beautiful lakeside surroundings here at the Center.
Dinner at the Lake host/hostess Greet & check in guests. Help in the gift shop. (Approximately every other month. Hours: approximately 5:30-8:30 pm) Free dinner and program included
SPECIFIC- one time task • Help preserve ACNW history through scanning slides/photos, transferring videos to DVD, etc. • Web Development Assistance - help with CMS web build and assist with CRM database functionality SPECIFIC- ongoing • Grant Research and Submission Assistance – search/research and apply for potential grant opportunities • Online Marketing Assistance - regular posting of events to online calendars, press release generation and distribution GENERAL HELP -ongoing • On-call teacher for EE programs • Belay climbers on climbing wall • Care of barn and wildlife • Transport orphaned/injured animals Buildings & Grounds - ongoing • Groom ski trails • Rake, weed whip, mow • Fill bird feeders • Cut/split firewood ON-SITE EVENTS • Kitchen assistance • Prep and clean up • Assist with Open House/Trail Run logistics
Adopt an Intern...
Alumni News Our condolences... ...to the family of former employee Judy Tauer who died in a car accident in October.
Congratulations to... ...to former intern Roong (Kanyawe) Thompson (00-01) on the birth of his baby girl Sola, and to Jacque Isoton (intern 00-01) on the birth of his baby boy Enzo. ...to former intern Meagan Keefe (98-98) for her appointment in December as the new Program Director/ Senior Interpreter at Huntley Meadows Park in northern VA. If you are an alumni and have some news to share about your life, please send an email to us at fenner@audubon-center.org – we’d love to share the info with our readers. www.audubon-center.org
Whether home is an hour away or half the earth away, it is a treat for our interns to have a closer “family” to spend some time with. Though they have great meals, live next to the lake, and form a family with our staff, it is a welcome change to be off the Center grounds on occasion. If you are interested in matching up with one of our interns (meet them on page 8) for a home cooked meal, evening fish, relaxing at your house, puppy sitting for you, or whatever simple activity you like, then please let us know and we will send you their contact information. Call us at 320-245-2648 or email audubon1@audubon-center. org if interested. Thank you! 888-404-7743
Winter/Spring 2013
News from the North Woods
Thank You!
Page 11
We would like to acknowledge and thank all those individuals and companies who have contributed to the Audubon Center of the North Woods (since our last newsletter) as well as the schools who visited us this academic year. Through your support and patronage, we are able to provide the best environmental education opportunities for people of all ages.
Donations, Memberships & Memorials Osprey yy Tammy Fleming yy Dick & Connie Glattley yy Jim & Wilda Obey yy Mary Ellen Vetter
Moose yy Don & Meg Arnosti yy Tom & Phyllis Mahan yy Jim & Donna Peter
Eagle yy Sam & Diana Rankin
Loons yy Greg & Gwyn Bowen yy Rodney & Sue Foss yy Louis & Karen Geislinger yy Sarah Glaser yy Wesley Haut yy Julie Holly yy B Wayne Johnson yy Tad Johnson yy Tony P Murphy yy Pamela L Nelson yy Roger Parsons yy James & Audrey Waggoner yy Bryan Wood
Otters yy Jerry Ammerman yy Susan Anderson yy Michael & Nancy Bennett yy Harold & Teresa Berg yy Dorothy Bradford yy Susan Bradford yy Anthony & Becky Bundschuh yy Barbara Derby Carlson yy East Central Energy yy Paul Egeland yy Anna Goyette yy Patricia Hapke yy Happy Land Tree Farm yy Ruth Harpole yy Paulette Huddle yy Bradley Jipp yy Barry & Patti Larson yy Charles & Hope Lea yy Don Lee yy Mark Lex www.audubon-center.org
yy Rex Lindberg yy Lori Stohs Consulting yy Becky Lourey yy Linda Marcotte yy James McBride yy Chester & Miriam Meyers yy Carol Mizuno yy Alice C Murry yy Richard Newmark yy Northview Bank yy Michael & Maureen O’Phelan yy William & Naomi Pomper yy Raymond & Ceci Rath yy Roberta Reilly yy Eric & Jacqulyn Saunders yy Darlene Scott yy Sebald Motor Sales, Inc yy Charles Speiker yy Charles Sprado yy The Wildcat Sanctuary yy Tom Torborg yy Roger & Ruby Trapp yy Cathy Von Ruden yy Maxine Wallin yy Seth & Wendy Webster yy Louise White yy John Zakelj & Bonnie Watkins yy John Wolforth & Ruth Pfaller
Cranes yy Kathy & Mel Aanerud yy Lillian Antonelli yy Nancy Arnosti yy Jim & Nancy Azarski yy Jerry & Donna Bahls yy James Beaudry yy Kathy Brandli & Aziz Al-Arfaj yy Sue Breska yy Caroline Clark yy Katie Doyle yy Ron & Carolyn Drude yy Cynthia Fay MD yy Rick Fletcher yy David Greenberg yy Sara J Hasslen yy John Helland yy Ruth Hiland yy Sara Holmdahl
yy Peter & Gladys Howell yy Lee F. Murphy Insurance yy Robers Lininger & Susan Bloom yy Dean F Madison yy William Marx yy Matt’s Sanitation yy Lois V Nyman yy Gretchen Olson yy Carol Perry yy Gina Pockrandt yy Wayne & Patti Roberts yy Diane Sannes yy Carolyn Serrano yy Irma Mae Sokolowski yy Sheryl Steele yy Pauline Wahlquist yy Terry Wilton
Owls yy Claudia Russ Anderson yy Donna Anderson yy Anonymous yy Autumn Adele Aubut yy Sidonia Balke yy Dan & Rhonda Belzile yy Mary Beck yy Mark Brigham yy Jim Butcher yy Debby Carpentier yy Barbara Christensen yy Kathleen Cruz yy Mary Deming yy Gay Dickerson yy Alan & Lee Dolan yy Thomas J & Mary Dolan yy Larry & Nancy Dolphin yy Elaine Duvall yy Ronald Falk yy Freiberg Cleaning Services yy Judy George yy Nancy Haugen yy Tim Hassler yy John & Linda Hickman yy Carol Hill yy Joni & Kevin Hogie yy George Jamison yy Sherry Jester & Harry Cloft yy Clarence Johnson yy Helen Johnson yy Patricia & Robert Johnson yy Pam & Chuck Justice
yy Margaret Kelsch yy Steven Kozak yy Daniel Krueger yy Jean La Flash yy Frances Levings yy Bill Loomis yy Jean & Dick Louvar yy Mark & Laurie Madison yy Kent & Paula Matthews yy Madeline Miller yy Robert Minish yy Gary & Patty Mondale yy Sheila Moran yy Pete & Francine Nelson yy Tonja Nelson yy Kate Olson yy Audray Rees yy Tracy Rosenberg yy Charles & Carol Rowley yy Janet Rowney yy Linda Schave yy Margaret Schwartz yy Silver Rapids Lodge yy Jim Simkins yy Lydia Steensen yy Bryan Stenlund yy Heidi Ann Sundet yy Donald Swanson yy John & Patricia Telfer yy Patricia J Thompson yy Nancy Jo Tubbs yy Sue & Don VanGorden yy Patricia Wehner yy Barb & Carl Wojahn yy Mark Wolhart yy Douglas & Kathy Wood
Friends yy Anonymous - Interns 2008-2009 yy Kathleen Dedeyn yy Alica Gruber yy David K Heupel yy Deloris Nelson yy Judy Nelson yy Donald Owens
In Memory of: In Memory of Grace V Mendoza
yy Steven & Judith Seidmeyer
In Memory of Jeremy Randolph yy Jim & Wilda Obey In Memory of Gene Steele yy Peter Swenson (correction from last publication) In Memory of Dorothy Swetz yy Gilbert (Robert) Swetz In Memory of David Underhill yy Michael & Karyn Williams
In Honor of: yy Donald Janes In honor of Dorothy W Janes
Frank Buckingham Wilderness Scholarship Fund yy JoAnn & George Perdrizet
Scholarship Fund yy Gail Graham
Grants yy Donald Weesner Foundation yy Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Stevens yy Marvin P Verhulst Foundation
Employee Matching yy Donald Janes/3M Foundation
Friend a Wild Critter yy Mounds Park Academy/ Evelyn Johnson yy Lisa Everts yy Corrina Tvedt yy Jenna Moon
In-Kind yy Charlie Huber yy Don Janes yy Pat Johnson, Professional Pride Realty yy Linda Neubauer yy Mary Ellen Vetter
888-404-7743
Audubon Center of the North Woods A proud leader in environmental education and renewable energy P.O. Box 530, Sandstone, MN 55072 Phone: 888-404-7743 or 320-245-2648 Fax: 320-245-5272
If you would like to save resources and would prefer to receive this periodic newsletter electronically (PDF) via email instead of US mail, please send an email to audubon1@audubon-center.org
Email: audubon1@audubon-center.org
Visit our website! www.audubon-center.org News from the North Woods Volume 39, Issue 1—Winter/Spring 2013 Melonie Shipman and Bryan Wood, Co-Directors Laurie Fenner, editing/layout Published periodically by Audubon Center of the North Woods Mail, call or email us your inquiries and ideas.
Printed with soy-based inks on carbon-neutral paper containing 100% post-consumer waste
Join Us...Become a Friend to the Audubon Center Friendship Categories OWLS
By becoming a member of the Audubon Center of the North Woods, you provide the essential support we need to continue to provide quality environmental educations to thousands of people every year.
$25-49
MOOSE
$500-$749
CRANES $50-99
EAGLES $750-$999
OTTERS $100-249
OSPREY $1000+
LOONS $250-$499
PLANNED $2,500+ GIVING
All Members receive: l 10% discount off merchandise in our store* l 10% off youth and family camps l 10% off Schwyzer Lodge l A gift membership to give to a friend l Our periodic printed newsletter l Our e-newsletter (optional) l Invitations to special events
Membership Benefits ØØ
* New members also receive a $10 gift certificate to use in our Nature Store
l Members at the Loon level and above also receive one or more Audubon Center signature items
ACNW MISSION
To instill a connection and commitment to the environment in people of all communities through experiential learning.