Volunteers Are the Backbone of Audubon

Individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences share their time and talent to support Audubon. From interns and educators to gardeners, trail monitors, office help and more, we depend on volunteers. Upcoming issues of the Report will continue to highlight a number of Audubon volunteers and the many talents they share with us.

Jason Vanderhoff

Eagle Scout Project at Waterman Pond Wildlife Refuge

Troop 55 Riverside gathered last April to support Jason Vanderhoff as he completed his Eagle Scout project at Audubon’s Waterman Pond Wildlife Refuge in Coventry. Vanderhoff took on a range of projects including bog bridges, an accessible bench, and a changeable interpretive sign. As the Waterman Pond trail can be seasonably muddy, this work will allow easier access to the property and keep many hiking boots much drier. Audubon has supported many scouts in their efforts to earn badges and awards. We are grateful for their service, making our wildlife refuges more welcoming and accessible for all.

- Kim Calcagno, Audubon Refuge Manager, Northern Region

Gabby Almedia and Dan Baker

Volunteer Naturalists, Fisherville Brook and Caratunk Wildlife Refuges

Over the last few months, I have been honored to have Gabby Almedia and Dan Baker volunteer at Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge in Exeter. You may also have met them at the bird banding station at Raptor Weekend. Both Gabby and Dan have a great love for the outdoors, and they are always eager to learn more about the natural world. With their dedication to the field of conservation, we are happy to have them as Saturday naturalists in the barn at Caratunk. They will be offering free guided walks throughout the year and are happy to answer any nature-related questions you may have. A big thank you to Gabby and Dan for their time, commitment, and never-ending enthusiasm!

- Laura Carberry, Audubon Director of Properties

Citizens

Corporate Volunteers

In September, Audubon hosted three enthusiastic volunteer crew days from different departments within Citizens. They assisted with cutting and installing non-skid treads on our boardwalks at Powder Mill Ledges, scraping and painting the Audubon headquarters sign on Sanderson Road in Smithfield, litter pick up, collecting seed heads for propagation, and invasive species cutting. A big thank you to these amazing volunteers for a job well done.

Loreal

Corporate Volunteers

A fantastic crew from Loreal joined Audubon for a day in June to help with clearing trails at the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge in Coventry. This dedicated group of volunteers not only did a stellar job, they also generously donated all the tools they brought with them. We now have several new hand clippers, loppers, bow saws, and more. We cannot accomplish all the work we do without a strong base of volunteers. Thank you, Loreal, for your commitment to conservation and generous donation of tools.