Alan Clinton and a group of hard-workingscouts from Troop 428 in Delaware braved theheat over three days in July to help overhaulthree butterfly garden beds at Green LawnCemetery, which were originally constructedand planted in 1996. The project was a collab-orative effort between Columbus Audubon,Green Lawn Cemetery and Boy Scouts fromTroop 428.

Alan Clinton brought the project to fruitionwhile he and the scouts logged in over 100man-hours working on the gardens as part ofhis Eagle Scout requirements. Tom Sheley andJackie Bain were Columbus Audubon advisorsfor the project.

The area was prepped with removal of sev-eral truckloads of invasive honeysuckle toimprove light and air circulation around thebeds. The largest bed still had a very good baseof native plants and just needed cleaning outalong with invasive plant removal. Another

bed was thinned and replanted with somenative perennials and grasses to fill out theholes. The third bed was completely takenover by annuals, poison ivy and JapaneseHoneysuckle and needed to be stripped andreplanted.

In all, the scouts planted over 225 nativeperennials and grasses, and laid down a thinlayer of organic mulch to help retard thegrowth of annuals. This is an ongoing effortwhich will require maintenance, and I will beproposing that we have a volunteer work dayonce or twice a year to keep up with the weed-ing and thinning of these beds. The gardens areopen for viewing during Green LawnCemetery hours of operation and are locatedabout 75 yards west of the main office build-ing and parking lot just inside the cemeteryentrance off Greenlawn Avenue.

-Tom Sheley

IN THIS ISSUE

SongSparrow

September-October 2010Volume 43, No. 1

2

3

5

6

10

A joint newsletter of the Grange Insurance Audubon

Center and Columbus Audubon

Send editorial submissions to Stefanie Hauck, editor,

at stefanie.hauck@gmail.com

Green Lawn Cemetery

Scouts help overhaul butterfly garden

GIAC news..................

GIAC programs.............

Birdathon results............

Audubon and 4_H...........

GIAC scouting programs...

By Tom Sheley

Alan Clinton (far left) and his group of scouts from Troop 428 in Delaware County.

Green Lawn Cemetery is located at 1000 Greenlawn Ave., just south of downtownColumbus. You can get to the cemetery via exit 105 (Greenlawn Avenue) off Interstate71. When exiting, Green Lawn Cemetery is west of the highway.

The gates to Green Lawn are open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. the first Saturday in Novemberthrough the second Saturday in March, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during Daylight SavingsTime, the second Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November. The office isopen 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, andNoon to 4 p.m. Sundays. The office can be reached by calling (614) 444-1123 or toll-free 1-800-595-1123.

Directions to Green Lawn Cemetery

2

Thank you for Support

Nancy AlonzoMarlita BarkettFrances BeasleyStephen BechtelKirt BeilingSally BlueG. BonnieElizabeth BullockPeggy CaseAda ClearyColumbus Audubon SocietyBrian ComptonYanitza CruzJulie DavisT.J. & Nancy DroughtThomas DroughtJoseph DulchiJames FlowersFranks InsuranceMary GallagherKaren GayFrancis GebauerRobert GiammarGlobal Gallery, Inc.O'Vell HarrisonHilliard Horizon PTOTom & Ann HoaglinBarry HunlockDiane HunterTad & Nancy JeffreyStuart JohnsonChester JourdanDaniel Kapusta

James KernenAbby KingPatricia LiebchenOlga LuciaJana ManiaceMary Ritter Garden ClubDr. Scott & Meg MelvinMiller-Lynn Insurance ServiceRuth Mullowney-AgraMarvin & Barbara NeubigOgren InsiranceCharles WillOhio Association of GardenClubsMaddi ParkerPete PrecarioMark RealJeff RedfieldKathleen RogersKathy RogersLaurel SmithBruce SollAnne StewartSWACOThe Scotts CompanyTim Adams Robert & Jo Ann TustinLarry WoodsNorman and Shirley WoodsDavid YashonDaniel Donovan Lona Meister James & Ellen Pugh

Marilyn Brown Martha Watson Jack & Martha Mortland Greg & Elizabeth Gerhard Carl & Beatrice Winchell Dennis & Kelly Smith Dennis & Joan Wickham Judith Yoder Jane Brownlee Young H.A. Cotesworth Dr. Christopher Kenah Donald Delp John & Debra Fleming Pat & Nancy Ross Barnett Insurance Grange Insurance Agents Paul & Kendra Haueisen Toni Seyfried Cindy Grinstead Patricia James Dareth Gerlach John D. Holschuh Lisa Kaiser O'Vell Harrison John & Helen O'Meara Tom & Mary Katzenmeyer Bryan Sauma Jane Landwehr City of Worthington Barrington Elementary Alpha delta Kappa U.A.C.H.

With the opening of theGrange Insurance AudubonCenter, our need for donateditems has changed dramati-cally!

Our current MAJOR need isfor children age 8 to 12 mudboots, rain parkas andgloves. Many of the childrenattending our school pro-grams do not have suitableboots and clothing to com-plete the field study portion ofthe curriculum on cold, rainy,muddy days. Your donation ofany of the above mentioneditems would be greatly appre-ciated by both our studentsand the GIAC staff.

If you have a donation forthe Center, please call ChristySmith at (614) 545-5475.

Items needed: Potting soilPruning loppersWheel barrowRakesLeaf blowerSnow blowerPower washerLive cricketsServing carafes for bever-

agesElectric griddles (2)Stereo for gift shop with

speakersNature stickers or tempo-

rary tattoosMagnifying glassesScissors for childrenLightweight folding 6-8’

tables (2)Recycled Copy PaperSpotting ScopeTelescopeLaminatorHip wadersFishing tackle and boxesBinoculars, any type and

magnificationBlack pens-newSharpies-any color-newDry erase markersLinen napkins-white, brown,

or black (100)

Donation of services needed:

GardeningLandscapingPrinting

Gift Certificates:StaplesTargetHome DepotBarnes & NobleAirline Miles

GIAC wish list

Grange Insurance Audubon Center

From newborn to infant ... exciting new stages for GIACThe Grange Insurance Audubon Center was

born one year ago when we opened our doors onAug. 27, 2009! Can you believe it….

A few highlights from the first year: n Hosted the National Audubon Society

National Boardn Over 600 people joined us for the Grand

Opening of the Centern First ever Audubon Adventure Summer

Camp, hosting over 1000 children this year (eachchild counted once per day of camp)n Bird Banding Station" was set up and over 50

birds banded in Spring/Summer 2010n Over 20,000 visitors to the Center, surpass-

ing expected first-year calculated projections!n Six schools served in our multiple-visit

Conservation Classroom Programn Over 200 invasive honeysuckle plants

removed throughout the community - decreasinginvasive plants within a 5-acre area from 60% to9.7%n Over 400 native shrubs planted by communi-

ty members.n Hosted the 5-bird bronze statue "Lost" exhib-

itCreated and held new annual education

events of "Halloween Trick or Tweet" and"Songbird Spectacular - Mother's Day Brunch"

10 High School students engaged in gather-ing data for the Center using GPS

Developed scout programs, birthday parties,and camp programs.

Over 50 new volunteers trained and engagedin programming.

First ever annual fundraising event,Wingding on the Whittier 9/2009

And, we have hosted numerous communitybusinesses and community groups at the Centerfor rentals, doubling our expectations for rentalrevenue in the first year.

Coming this year…. the launching of:the new scout programs and birthday partiesthe new Lifelong Learning Lecture Seriesour new Winter and Spring Break Campsof new special interest programs like yoga

and nature art classes.

Donors from 4/8/10 to 7/31/10

See Thank you, last page

See Transition, back page

3

Grange Insurance Audubon Center

GIAC September-October programsAudubon afternoons1-3 p.m. Saturdays and SundaysStarting this fall, bring family and friends

to the Grange Insurance Audubon Center tohike with an educator throughout the park,participate in activities inside and outsidethe center and just have fun! No pre-regis-tration required. For more information call(614) 545-5481.

Being a Green Student: Back to School BlowoutSaturday, September 11Calling students, teachers, principals,

friends and family from all over Columbus,Ohio! It's that time of year, the leaves arefalling and students are packing up to headback to school. Join us for our first back toschool blow-out event. Meet different ven-dors, grab some freebies and informationand participate in earth-friendly activitiesand crafts to help teach your child, stu-dents, friends and family how to be 'green'this school year. No pre-registrationrequired. More details TBA. For moreinformation call (614) 545-5481.

Lifelong Learners SeriesThursday, September 16 and Thursday, October 21This series is dedicated to the life long

learner, constantly seeking information tobroaden their ideas and interests. Whetheryoung adult or senior- come listen andlearn about topics pressing our natural

world everyday, from the Gulf Oil Spill toSustainability. Pre-registration required.More details are TBA. For more informa-tion please call (614) 545-5481.

Brushes with Nature Art SeriesTuesdays, September 21- October 26Our first art series is a six-week course

meeting every Tuesday. Join us and ourexperienced art instructor for six weeks ofcreativity. Whether you're an interested,new, experienced or advanced artist, thiscourse will invite everyone to open up theirmind and eyes to see their world in differ-ent and exciting ways! Pre-registrationrequired. More details are TBA. For moreinformation please call (614) 545-5481.

Fall Frenzy CelebrationSaturday, October 2Bring friends, children, families and

neighbors down to the Audubon Center foran event the whole neighborhood canenjoy. No pre-registration required. Moredetail and information TBA. For addition-al information call (614) 545-5481.

Capital Day: School’s Out DayFriday, October 15 8:30 a.m. to 4:30

p.m.School's out for Capital Day but parents

still have to go to work! Have your childjoin us for a fun-filled day of camp to keeptheir minds and bodies moving. Our con-servation and environmental focused day

camp will introduce your child to the wildworld of plants, animals and changes thathappen at the Scioto Audubon Metro Parkeveryday! Extended care will be providedfor additional costs. Pre-registrationrequired. More details TBA. For moreinformation call (614) 545-5481.

For more information on the events list-ed above, check our website frequently forupdate: grange.audubon.org or call (614)545-5481/(614)545-5483.

School programsThe Grange Insurance Audubon Center

provides school programs through ourConservation Classroom program through-out the year as well as other out of schoolprogram opportunities. For more informa-tion on how to get your student, theirschool or your organization involvedplease contact Doreen Whitley at (614)545-5481.

Membership paysBecome a member today to receive spe-

cial discounts on classes, series, specialevents and day- camps!

Upcoming eventsBe on the lookout for our upcoming pro-

gram guide to the Grange InsuranceAudubon Center's entire program fromschool to special events, programs andclasses for 2010-2011.

Wingding on the Whittier: Oh what a night On August 27 the GIAC held its 2nd

"Wingding on the Whittier - A Night Outwith Nature."

Nearly 500 guests enjoyed the center, thesurroundings and celebrated the Center's oneyear anniversary. Through ticket sales, spon-sorships, and live auction items, the annualevent raised operating funds to support thescience and conservation programs.

Festivities included performances by MissB. Haven jazz trio and MoJoFlo and emceedby Dino Tripodis from Sunny-95. Highlightsof the live auction included winning bids forthe use of the GIAC Multi-purpose room anddecks for a Red-White & Boom party for 50people, an amazing trip for two to theGalapagos Islands, and new this year a "fund

a need" that included guests bidding and get-ting the opportunity to fund specific projectsthat ranged from as high as $5000 to just$25.

While the annual Gala is an event with ahigher priced ticket, the support raised fromthose who are able to help at this level is sig-nificant to the GIAC's success.

Over the next year, the GIAC will also beestablishing our Annual Campaign, designedto raise yearly general operating fundsthrough pledges, memberships, and gifts.The Annual Campaign will make it possiblefor the GIAC to continue to operate andremain open to the public for free duringover 40 hours each week. Everyone can par-ticipate in the Annual Campaign, regardless

of the level to which they can donate.For the 2011 Gala, plans are already

underway! Anyone interested on being on the 2011

planning committee, volunteering, sponsor-ing, or being a Table or Ticket Host shouldcontact Jeff Redfield, Director ofDevelopment.

Everyone at the GIAC would like to thankthis year's event planner Trace, LTD, thenumerous sponsors and ticket hosts, the vol-unteers who helped with preparations and atthe event on August 27, and volunteer com-mittee members including Amy Hurley, LoriOvermyer, Jane Scott, and the 2010 Co-Chairs Julie Davis and Sharon Saia. Thankyou all!

Note: Field trip times, dates and locations are subject to changedue to unforeseen circumstances. Please contact the trip leader 24hours ahead to make sure the trip has not been changed, postponedor cancelled. Also, check www.columbusaudubon.org or follow uson Twitter at @columbusaudubon.

Field trips

Wednesday walks at Scioto-AudubonWednesdays, September 1 and October 6, 7:30 a.m.Leaders: Paul Gledhill and Heather Raymond

Walks are always held the first Wednesday of the month. JoinHeather Raymond for a short walk around the Scioto-AudubonMetro Park to view wildlife as well as to watch the latest develop-ments of the park and nature center. Meet at Lower Scioto Park inthe boat ramp parking lot (west of Front Street and south ofWhittier Street) Please contact Heather Raymond at (614) 785-0342; heather_columbus_audubon@yahoo.com for more informa-tion.

Migration along the SciotoSaturday, September 11, 7 a.m.Leader: Rob Thorn

Migration should be peaking as we survey the Scioto River as itwends its way through urban Columbus. The narrow riparian corri-dor running from Berliner Park north to Griggs dam funnels adiverse array migrating landbirds, including many species of swal-lows, flycatchers, vireos, and warblers. The many ponds and oldquarries along this route also make a nice target for waterbirds likeherons and shorebirds, and we'll make a special effort to find sand-pipers and elusive Green Herons and Night Herons. We'll start atthe Scioto MetroPark looking for the early morning burst ofmigrants. Afterwards, we'll venture up to the Grandview ponds andbikepath, the northern counterpart to Scioto, to look for accumulat-ed migrants there. We’ll meet at the Scioto Metro Park boat launchat 7 a.m. (take Whittier west from Front St, and make the first leftturn). For more information, contact Rob Thorn, 614-551-0643 orrobthorn@earthlink.net.

A Swift Night OutFriday-Sunday, September 10-12, 7 p.m. to sunsetLeaders: Darlene Sillick

It is late summer, so it's time once again for A Swift Night Out.Chimney Swifts have finished raising their young, so these fasci-nating aerial acrobats begin to congregate in communal roosts priorto their fall migration. Some roosts may consist of an extended fam-ily group of a half a dozen birds or so, but the larger sites can hosthundreds or even thousands of swifts! As usual, many ColumbusAudubon members will view this exhilarating spectacle. You canjoin us for a count or create your very own Swift Night Out.

To create your own Swift Night Out, just keep your eyes to theskies at dusk and watch for areas where swifts are feeding. Look for

See Coming up, page 11

4

Columbus Audubon

Columbus Audubon activities are for nature enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Weinvite you to join us for a field trip or program to learn more about birds and their centralOhio habitats, as well as other natural history topics. Our activities are free and open to thepublic and there is no need to register unless otherwise noted.

Coming Up

Jenny Bowman will speakabout her recent trip to Peru. Shewill share her experiences bird-ing three locations: 70 kilome-ters of the Manu Road - one ofthe "birdiest" roads in the world -alongside Manu National Park;birding the Machu Picchu road;and birding in the high Andes.

Next, Jenny will discuss howshe volunteered for her sixthEarthwatch project, helpingresearchers conduct a project tostudy macaws and their use ofclaylicks in the Tambopata Riverregion of the Amazon basin.

As if that were not enough, she then joined a VENT tour thathad just arrived in Lima from the United States.

The group flew up to Chiclayo and began a circular tour ofnorthern Peru that featured seeing endemic birds of the coun-try. Finally, her trip took her to Arequipa in southern Peru, thejumping off point for trekking in those famous canyons. Jennydid back-to-back treks into Colca Canyon (where she saw 5Andean condors soaring at eye level at once), and then a tra-verse through Cotahuasi Canyon. Her travels ended 200 kilo-meters south of Lima at Paracas National Park where desertand ocean meet.

Macaws and Canyons of Peru

CA September & October ProgramsTuesday, Sept. 28, and Oct. 26

7 p.m., social time, 7:30 p.m., presentation at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center

505 W. Whittier Street, Columbus

Southeast Arizona is considered to be among the best placesin the country to see birds.

Come tonight and explore this exciting part of the countrywith us as our speaker, Earl Harrison shares with us some ofthese world-renowned birding locations and the incrediblebirds that are here.

Earl enjoys and has a rich background in birding, photogra-phy and travel, and he enjoys bringing his nature experiencesto others. He serves as field trip chair with ColumbusAudubon. He is on faculty at The Ohio State University.

In this presentation, Earl will take us to several outstandingplaces, including the Chiricahua Mountains, HuachucaMountains, and one of the most famous birding locations inthe U.S., Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains.

He will include suggestions on where to go and when to go,and he will have site maps of some of these places.

Birding in Southeast Arizona

Jenny Bowman

5

Columbus Audubon

2010 Birdathon raises over $9,500Year after year, the Columbus Audubon Birdathon is a fun and

exciting event for participants and donors alike. And, this yearwas no exception! Participants searched for birds all over Ohioand beyond.

The Low-Carbon Footprinters again birded in Columbus usingonly foot and bike power and other teams also stayed close tohome birding at our Metro Parks. Columbus Audubon is onceagain donating all proceeds to the Grange Insurance AudubonCenter, to help fulfill our $100,000 pledge. Monies raised thisyear, along with dollars from our general fund, will pay off thatpledge. A big thanks goes out to all of our teams and sponsors forall their efforts. Also, thanks to our two prize sponsors, MurphinRidge Inn in West Union, Oh (www.murphinridgeinn.com) fordonating a night's stay (won by Tom Sheley) and to Eagle Optics

for their donation of a pair of Spitfire 8.5 x 32 binoculars (won byBill Heck). Running the Birdathon takes the hard work of manypeople. A special thanks to committee members Katryn Renard,Elaine Smith, Dave Horn and Julie Davis.

There were also several teams that raised amazing donationsthis year. Teams that raised over $1000 were: Stellar Jays ($1084)and Wild Birds Unlimited ($4040).

The competition was intense and the weather iffy at times, butthe teams persevered, including the top three teams. Birding teamsthat saw the most species this year were: Wild Birds Unlimited at151 species, Westerville Waxwings with 153 and once again thetop team was Quick Three Beards at 166. Congratulations andthanks to all of our teams and sponsors for another greatBirdathon!

Grange Insurance Audubon Center

Weddings, meetings and events - Oh my!In our first year of operating, GIAC has become one of the

newest and premiere locations in Columbus for all types of eventsincluding several business meetings, retreats, and especially wed-ding receptions. Just a few examples:n The Columbus Chamber rented the entire Center for their

"Cinco De Mayo" eventn Other non-profits have held fundraisers theren The Columbus Urban League held their planning retreat and

the U.S. Green Building Council - Ohio Chapter holds theirmonthly meetings at the GIAC, and,n Wedding ceremonies (in tents on the Center's lawn and on the

boardwalk under the Mulberry tree) and many wedding receptionshave spent their special day at the GIAC.

Because of the proximity to downtown, free parking, wonderfulviews of nature and downtown skyline from several rooms, theCenter is in great demand. In fact, throughout most of this pastsummer and until early November the Center is booked for wed-ding receptions. Already for 2011, there are 6 wedding reserva-tions from April til October, and between receptions and eventsthe GIAC multi-purpose room completely booked on Saturdays in

May. The average wedding rental facility cost is under $1,000 (4- 5 hours) and rental fees include use of tables and chairs (for 200)and the AV equipment we already have - where as most rentalplaces charge additional fees. The benefit of center rentals is thatit introduces many new people to GIAC’s downtown location,Audubon, and center programming.

Rental fees provide funding for our educational, conservation,and birding programs. Rental costs are based upon room(s)desired and when the event will be held. Rates are lower for useduring the center’s opening hours and unless already scheduled orneeded by the GIAC, the conference room and Song Sparrowroom are also available to nonprofits and groups at no cost duringthese times. These rooms are ideal for small groups of 15 peopleor less.

If you are looking for a space to rent, stop by while the centeris open or contact Wade Walcutt (Facilities Operations Manager)or Christy Smith (Finance and Office Manager) to learn more,schedule a date, and set up a meeting. And just think, these rentalsof weddings, meetings, and events (oh my!) help keep the centerprograms running and allows the public free admission.

‘Give at the office’ this fallEach fall employees throughout central Ohio make workplace

contributions through payroll deductions to support importantcharitable work like that of the Grange Insurance AudubonCenter. The GIAC is a member of EarthShares Ohio.

EarthShare Ohio is an opportunity, a system, and an answer forenvironmentally conscious employees and workplaces to supportdozens of environmental groups at once through a charitable giv-ing drive. For combined or public campaigns which include EarthShares, donations to the GIAC are designated under "AudubonOhio" and provide unrestricted operating and program funding.

Founded by its member charities in 1988, EarthShare, thenational organization, is an opportunity for environmentally-con-

scious employees and workplaces to support hundreds of environ-mental groups through a charitable giving drive. EarthShare rep-resents and supports more than 400 of America's most respectedenvironmental and conservation groups, including 39 nationalorganizations and hundreds of local groups in 18 affiliate statesincluding Ohio.

Questions regarding any workplace giving or payroll deductionopportunities should be directed to Jeff Redfield(jredfield@audubon.org) 614.545.5479. Look for us at your placeof work this fall and with your donation to the GIAC/AudubonOhio, the next time when you say "I gave at the office" you cantruly mean it!

6

Columbus Audubon

Eleven-year-old Emily LeMaster, ofMarysville, received an "Outstanding"ribbon for her 4-H project and poster onOhio Birds.

"I had to find three bird nests and writewhen I found it, where it was (shrub, tree,near the water), how big the nest was,what materials were used to build thenest. I had to find 20 different birds. Ialso had to build 2 different bird houses.What I liked about this project was find-ing 20 different birds because I love thenature and birds," Emily said.

Emily chose the 4-H Natural Resourcescategory #621 Ohio Birds.

She had to observe and identify birds atbird feeders in her yard and on field tripsto see the many benefits they provide. Itook Emily and her family on a field tripto see cavity nesting birds and gaveEmily and her family a tour of OhioWildlife Center to view some of Ohio'sraptors and mammals.

Emily and her brother (an equally inter-ested six-year-old) had the chance to holdnestling Eastern Bluebirds and nestlingTree Swallows. They also peered into a

House Wren nest with five eggs andanother bluebird nest with four blue eggs.She added a Green Heron and a GrayCatbird to her growing life list of birdswhile on her OWC tour. Emily used aDivision of Wildlife check list to recordthe birds she saw.

One last requirement was to invitesomeone to come to her 4-H meeting totalk about birds. I attended her 4-H meet-ing and gave a presentation about Ohio'sCommon Backyard Birds. I had a surprisequiz for Emily and the audience and itwas titled Who's That Bird? It askedquestions about the selected bird then youhad time to guess the species before thename and picture popped up. Emily sur-prised herself and the other attendees byknowing all the birds on the quiz. Ithelped her to be even more confident topresent her project to the 4-H board. Shecalled me the following Saturday to sayshe got an outstanding. I was so proud ofher!

Emily will attend the ColumbusAudubon September 28 monthly programat GIAC to present her poster and talkbriefly about her project. Hope you willjoin us then to congratulate Emily!

More about 4-H:Ohio's young people need advanced

skills in innovation and application ofnew technologies, as well as basic skillsin communications, math, science, andresearch. OSU Extension's 4-H YouthDevelopment program is part of a com-munity of young people across Americawho learn about leadership, citizenship,and life skills. In 4-H, young people aged5 to 19 experience hands-on learningthrough clubs, camps, in-school, after-school and summer programs in urban,suburban, and rural communitiesstatewide. All 4-H and other youth pro-grams focus on learning by doing -emphasizing active involvement andquality experiences which stimulate life-long learning of values and skills.http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/explore/History4h.htm.

The four H's stand for Hearts, Hands,Heads and Health and has been aroundsince 1906. It represents the four-squareeducation:

educational development fellowship development physical development moral development

By Darlene Sillick

Union County 4-HLocal student earns ‘Outstanding’ on Ohio birding project

Bird conservation calendar for September - OctoberSafe Neighborhoods Safe Shrubs

Do you have honeysuckle (an invasive/non-native plantspecies) in your yard or know someone who does - the SafeNeighborhoods Safe Shrubs program is still ongoing. ContactDoreen Whitley, dwhitley@audubon.org or (614) 545-5481 tofind out how your can borrow a honeysuckle popper FREE andreceive a FREE native replacement plant.

Conservation Action fall plantingJoin the Grange Insurance Audubon Center for an onsite

Conservation Action fall planting of all native plants as we con-tinue our efforts to restore and enhance bird and wildlife habitat atthe Scioto Audubon Metro Park. For more information on howyou, your group or organization can get involved, contact DoreenWhitley, dwhitley@audubon.org or (614) 545-5481.

Birding for a Better ColumbusConservation Coordinator, Doreen Whitley will be continuing

to band and track migratory birds this fall. Bird Banding will hap-pen every Tuesday and Thursday starting on the dates listed

below:

September 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 and 30.October 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 and 28.

Banding Demonstrations will also be happening every otherSaturday on the following dates: September 4, 18; October 2, 16and 30.

Bird Banding Volunteer Training DatesSaturday, September 11Saturday, September 25

Saturday, October 9Saturday, October 23

If you are interested in learning more about bird banding orassisting with bird banding (nets, data collection, etc), please joinus during the banding demonstration or volunteer trainings listedabove.

For information or to volunteer, please contact Doreen Whitley,dwhitley@audubon.org or call (614) 545-5481.

Grange Insurance Audubon Center

The Eco-Weekend committeewould like to say a big thankyou to all who made the 38thEco-Weekend a success thispast May.

This year there were 43 dif-ferent programs offered foradults and families. The mainSaturday evening program wasthe presentation, "CloseEncounter" by the CincinnatiZoo. We saw a total of 59 birdsover the weekend at CampOty'Okwa, the site of the eventin the hills west of Logan.Programs included birding,insects, wildflowers, geology,bats, stream discovery, naturephotography, reptiles, moss,astronomy, owl walks and manyother activities. We had 32 pro-gram leaders for theAdult/Family programs, and anadditional 10 leaders for Youthprograms. A special thank yougoes to Camp Oty'Okwa andstaff for the use of their wonder-ful facility and help in makingthis a successful event.

Sincere thanks go to the lead-ers of the Adult and Family pro-grams: (in order of appearance)Jeff Johnson, Rick Fay, ChipAdams, Jacki Zevenbergen,Mike Huffenberger, David

Paris, Joe Jennings, PattyDeMaria, Susan Burnside-Kelly, Dave Horn, Tim Taylor,Susie Burks, Suzan Jervey,Steve Molk, Mike Maier, BarbWhite, Jim Davidson, FredSteck, Bob Klips, FrankGifford, Ann Cornell, JarrodBurks, Jill Snyder, Lisa Adams,Becky Huffenberger, MikeFlynn, Roz Horn, SharonTreaster, Mary Novak, KimLeach, David Sagan and PatAdams.

We also owe a big debt ofgratitude to the Youth Program

Leaders: Paula Jones, JeffPerlman, Josh Bryant, JackiZevenbergen, DavidBreithaupt, Jim & Vicki Snyder,John Gifford, Beth Sandemanand Steve Molk. Sincere appre-ciation goes to MeganDeLaurentis and Cathy Elkinsfor creating and overseeing theexcellent program for the youth.Youth from Pre-K throughGrade 8 spent Saturday learningabout insects, plants, streamdiscovery, nature photographyand appreciation of the worldaround us. It was a fantastic

day. Special thanks are extend-ed to the tireless and enthusias-tic Eco-Weekend Committee:Lisa Adams, Paulette Ariss,Dale Brubeck, Mary Counter,Lois Day, Jane Dean, MeganDeLaurentis, Patty DeMaria,Cathy Elkins, BeckyHuffenberger, Liz Melick, andMaura Moran. These are thefolks that planned it all. Weextend special thanks to JohnWilson who acted as CA Boardliaison with the Committee andprovided insight and enthusi-asm, especially in the publicityarea: Thank you, John.

Come join us for Eco-Weekend 2011! It will be heldon April 29 - May 1, 2011

at Camp Oty'Okwa. If youare interested in serving on thecommittee or volunteering as aprogram leader, call CA at (614)545-5475 or emailrozhorn@columbus.rr.com.

To find out more about Eco-Weekend, check out our web-site at www.ecoweekend.organd take a look!

With many thanks to all thewilling hands who togethermake Eco-Weekend a success,

-Roz Horn, Chair

7

Columbus Audubon

Message from the 2010-2011 president: Heather RaymondHello! I am very excited to

be your new ColumbusAudubon chapter president. Inupcoming articles I will sharesome of my goals for the com-ing year and information onsome fun projects our chapteris initiating.

But for now I would like totell you a little about myself. Ihave Master's degrees inScience and PublicAdministration from OhioUniversity, have spent severalterms on the ColumbusAudubon board, and havealways had a strong connectionto nature and a desire to helprestore and protect our naturalenvironment. But what is prob-ably my best qualification as

president is simple: I lovebirds. From backyard birdfeeding to driving all night inthe hope of seeing an ivorygull, to avian data collectionand bird banding. The more Ilearn about our amazing feath-ered friends the more I want toknow. I participated in my first"World Series of Birding" and"Big Year" in 2009 (more onthat in an upcoming article) andbirds have given me manyhours of pure happiness.

As President, I hope to give alittle back to the birds and dowhat I can to achieve our mis-sion "to promote the apprecia-tion, understanding, and con-servation of birds, otherwildlife and their habitats for

present and future genera-tions." I hope that you will joinme in helping the birds by vol-unteering for some of ourevents and programs.Volunteering is also a great wayto meet wonderful people thatshare your appreciation fornature.

Since I have been involved inColumbus Audubon I havebeen lucky enough to meet asmany kind and interesting peo-ple as I did new bird species! Ilook forward to meeting evenmore Columbus Audubonmembers and partners duringthe next year.

Take care, and good birding!

Heather Raymond

Heather on an Avid Birder tripto the Ottawa National WildlifeRefuge.

Eco-Weekend committee extends thanks for another successful

One of the programs for younger children at Eco-Weekend.

Igo fall birding by watch-ing out my window. Iespecially love the secre-

tive birds, like the Swainson'sthrush, who visits every fall torefuel in my yard.

I have plenty of healthy bugsfor birds to eat thanks to organ-ics and if you use chemicals,fall is a good time to switch. Iwatched lots of lightning bugsin my lawn, noticing none werein the adjacent chemicallytreated lawn.

Thanks to all of you whoread the monthly NatureScoop. You've had a lot ofquestions about going organicsince Canada banned lawnchemical use on private prop-erty after finding shockingresults from scientific studiesof the effects of lawn pesticideson human health.

We all need some good newsabout the little guy winningright now. The documentary, AChemical Reaction, featuresamong others, Paul Tukey,author of the Organic LawnCare Manual athttp://www.safelawns.org/,who became seriously illthrough his work with chemi-cal lawn care.

You can bring this inspiring,true story to your area. Seewww.chemicalreactionmovie.com for information.

Canada and other countrieshave adopted the ban, but inthe US, only some states havebanned the use of lawn pesti-

cides on school grounds or inlocal communities.

None have banned it on pri-vate property because there'sbig business in chemicals. Thisneeds to be a grass-roots effort- perfect for bird lovers.

I choose to use an exclusive-ly organic lawn care companyto maintain my lawn; however,I have a few tips about howeasy it is to do yourself. I sendreminders of when to treat yourlawn in Nature Scoop.

Organic broad-leaf weedcontrol takes care of prevent-ing new weeds in your lawn,but you need to get rid of thosethat are already there. Dig

weeds out in spring or fall anddrop some grass seed in theirplace or spray them in warmermonths with an organic spray.I use BurnOut Weed and GrassKiller, but anything similarwill do fine.

I found that the first yeartook more weeding effort asthe lawn was addicted to chem-icals.

Over-seeding the grass reallyhelped my yard. I used peren-nial rye seed and kept it moist.Timing this transition in springor fall is best when there's lotsof rain.

Apply Preen or Concern Plusfrom mid-March to mid-April

and mid-September to mid-October.

They contain corn gluten,which acts as natural weedcontrol and fertilizer.

The good news is that in fall,my lawn looks greener thanothers! I have my lawn mowedat 3&1/2" to 4" high to shadeout weeds.

This lets the grass growthicker and turn green fasterbecause it is naturally ratherthan artificially boosted togrow. I let the lawn go dormantin summer to control the grubsthat kill the lawn by eating theroots and become nastyJapanese beetles. I don't waterit.

For more details, seewww.backyardhabitat.info,select the tab How Do I DoThis?; then Click onEnvironmentally FriendlyLawn and Garden Care, then#3 on the left side.

If you want to learn more, goto http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/4000/4031.html and readPaul Tukey's Organic LawnCare Manual.

Lessons learned? If you're interested, email

marc-a@columbus.rr.com toreceive our monthly 'NatureScoop' email or go towww.backyardhabitat.info tolearn more.

Let's work together to helpbirds, one yard at a time.

-Toni Stahl

8

Backyards for Wildlife: Fall birding via organic lawn care

Columbus Audubon

Photo by Marc ApfelstadtWhite Crowned Sparrow.

Scratch native seeds into the ground where youwant them in garden beds and water

Take leaves off lawn and put them on flower beds(not too thick, but enough to protect bugs)

Plant native trees and bushes in the right place(research mature height, width, soil conditions, etc.so you don't trim off larvae that is on the outside ofthe plants when they grow larger)n Help migrating birds fuel up with water and native

berries (departure dates at www.birdnature.com/fal-loh.html)

Remove invasive plants, seehttp://www.oipc.info/

See more at www.backyardhabitat.info, How Do Ido This? Tab, Fall Yard Care That's Nature Friendly

If you feed birds, disinfect their feeders withwater and 10% bleach, then rinse, rinse andrinse!

Fall yard care reminders

9

Conservation corner: reaction to oil spill in the gulfLike most birders and many other

Audubon members, I was saddened to seethe impact of the recent oil blowout on theecosystems of the coastal Gulf states. Iapplaud the efforts of everyone, fromwell-cappers to bird-cleaners, coming tothe rescue as quickly and efficiently asthey did. As we all know, it took manyweeks to slow and stop the flow of oil,and while the Gulf is slowly healingitself, the ultimate impact of the spill maynot be known for months or years. I amcertain that we will see tightening of reg-ulations on offshore drilling and improve-ment of blowout-prevention-and-controltechnology. I am equally certain thatthere will be other accidents, otherblowouts, eventually eclipsing the 2010Gulf spill in both volume and impact.With some luck, future spills will be farenough from the Gulf Coast that the

marshes, estuaries and offshore fisheriescan recover.

As expected, I have been deluged withinformation, suggestions, e-mails, phonecalls and solicitations from all the usualconcerned organizations and citizens,exhorting me to "do something." Nearlyevery article, analysis or plea seemed todeal with fixing blame, the cost ofcleanup, relocating birds and otherwildlife, improving regulations and soforth.

As I click around the Internet today,four months later, that is still most of whatI find. While that effort is necessary andappropriate, it seems to me that a resourceconservation viewpoint has been largelymissing from the discussion.

For much of the past forty years we inthe USA have been wringing our handsover our dependency on foreign oil but

have we changed our transportationhabits? Sure, I may drive a more fuel-efficient auto than my V-8 gas guzzler of1973 but do I take fewer trips? Do I drivemore slowly? Not long ago I read an arti-cle that suggested the United States couldcut our oil usage by 20-percent just byinstating a national speed limit of 55-mph, but that "people would not stand forthat." Why not? We did it in 1973-74.We did it during World War II. If we alldrove 55, a lot of lives would be saved aswell. Why not conserve?

So I've decided to "do something" and Iinvite you to join me:

On our next trip to New England we'regoing to drive 65 mph, maximum, andsave some gas. If everyone did that, atleast we'd postpone the next blowout.

And if there is ever a train to Cleveland,I'll ride it, even at 39 mph.

Invasive species: Kudzu (Pueraria lobata)Yes, it's here. Kudzu, that notorious

invasive vine that seems to have taken overwoodlands in the southern states but"could never survive Ohio winters" hasarrived in Ohio, and in Columbus, no less.Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) was introducedinto the USA from Japan in the 1870s inwhat is now a familiar story: the plant was(and is) useful for erosion control, as alegume it enhances soil nitrogen, is goodforage for livestock, the starchy roots canbe prepared for human food, and is asource of used as traditional medicine inthe Orient. It also bears pretty purple flow-ers.

The problem, as usual with invasivespecies, is that kudzu does not simply stay

put when planted. The vines (which cangrow over a foot in a day) quickly overtakeand smother other vegetation, alteringwoodlands throughout the southeasternUSA. It has been called "the vine that atethe South" because of the ideal growingconditions there. We had thought kudzucould not survive the rigors of Ohio win-ters and that may have been true a fewdecades ago, but kudzu has now been doc-umented from 16 Ohio counties, and athriving patch was discovered last year inOntario. In Columbus you can see some inIuka Park.

Kudzu can be effectively controlled byremoval of the "root crown," a knob of tis-sue close to or just under the soil surface.

Simply cutting stems without applyingherbicide isn't satisfactory, as the plantswill simply regrow. Fortunately, so far,infestations are relatively isolated; also,kudzu does not seem to grow as fast inOhio as it does further south. Promisingexperiments are underway using a fungusfor kudzu control. Meanwhile, we nowhave yet one more unwanted plant outthere with which we will learn to live.

Columbus Audubon

By popular demand Columbus Audubon again offers Entertainment Books for sale. Books are available for $25 eachfrom the bird feeding supply stores listed below now through December 15. Proceeds from the sale will supportColumbus Audubon’s educational activities and the Grange Insurance Audubon Center.

2011 Entertainment Books for sale

Better Earth Backyard Experience Wild Birds Unlimited Wild Birds Unlimited Wild Birds Unlimited

Columbus Audubon

59 Spruce St., Columbus (North Market)3515 North High St., Columbus 21 Cherry Park Sq., Westerville 5400 Riverside Dr. Columbus 6839 E. Broad St., Columbus (Blacklick Shopping Ctr.)

Dave Horn (If you want an out-of-town book, contact Davedirectly and he’ll make it easy)

224-6196 261-0355899-9453766-2103860-1133

262-0312horn.1@osu.edu

10

Grange Insurance Audubon Center

Boy and Girl Scout programsCome Explore the Nature of Change

Themed Birthday parties now offered at GIACCelebrate at the Grange Insurance

Audubon Center….where every birthdayparty is a fun and exciting, hands-on,learning adventure that inspires steward-ship and change as your child grows!

Birthday Parties will be offered onSaturdays and Sundays.

The cost for birthday parties is $225(non-members $250) for up to 15 chil-dren.

Additional children may be added foran additional $10/guest.

All parties include an hour program ledby an Audubon educator, a private partyroom, electronic party invitations, birth-day cake, drinks and sustainable decora-tions and tableware, a T-shirt of the birth-day child, and guest party favors.

Happy Bird-Day! Our center is located in an Important

Bird Area which means you can see manyfine feathered-friends. Come and learnabout birds from their special beaks andfeet to the ways they communicate… thengrab some binoculars to explore the excit-ing world of bird-watching. Finally, learnabout what you can do when you leave to

help birds thrive and survive in your ownbackyard!

Nature ExplorersExplore nature on the Whittier Peninsula

in any season just minutes from the heartof downtown Columbus! Investigate whatmakes up nature, where can you find it,how do you observe it and how does itchange throughout the year? We'll makesome predictions and then go exploringfrom the river overlook, through the forestand across our prairie and wetlands. Graban adventure pack filled with all the thingsyou'll need to go exploring to see what wecan find!

Operation ConservationThink you have to be all grown up to

make a difference in the world? No way!Join us on Operation Conservation! Comelearn about conservation and how to livemore lightly on our earth. We'll exploresoil, water, air and wildlife and learn aboutways to conserve it when you leave so wecan all enjoy the world for years to come.You'll be a certified conservation herowhen you leave!

Habitat DetectivesDiscover what it takes to make up a

habitat and how to protect them. Then,head out to go on a habitat hunt on theWhittier Peninsula! How many habitatscan you find just minutes from downtownColumbus? Are there any dangers lurking?Finally, you'll learn all about ways to cre-ate your own backyard habitat when youreturn home!

Flutterby Butterfly (seasonal)You'll go through many changes as you

grow, but come learn about all the changesa butterfly goes through before it gets itswings! Learn about its life-cycle, eat anddrink like a butterfly and then go exploringwith a net to find some flittering aroundthe Whittier Peninsula.

Let's Get Buggy (seasonal)Learn about bugs and what makes them

unique from the way they look to the waysthey move! Which bugs help us, which bugsjust downright bug us and which bugsamaze us? Learn about how a bug survivesin this big world. Then, we'll grab a net andhand lens and get buggy on a bug hunt!

Achievement #5Let's Go Outdoors

Electives:Learn About

AnimalsFeed the Birds

Cleanup Treasure HuntConservation

Reduce, Reuse,Recycle

Tiger Cubs

Achievement #7Your Living World

Elective:Birds

Wolf Cubs Bear Cubs

Requirements:Forester

Naturalist

WeBeloS

Wildlife Conservation Belt LoopCub Scout Leave No Trace AwardCub Scout Outdoor Activity Award

Cub Scout World Conservation Award

Other badges

Earth ConnectionsEco-Action

Outdoor in the CityWater Wonders

Wildlife

Junior badge-work

Earth Is Our HomeEco-Explorers

Outdoor AdventurerWatching WildlifeWater Everywhere

Brownie try-Its

Use Resources WiselyMake The World A Better Place

Explore NatureLearn a New Hobby

Daisy Learning Petal Activities

The GIAC is now offering a variety of Girl Scoutand Boy Scout programs, Scout Days and serviceproject opportunities which provide unique hands onlearning activities and combine conservation aware-ness with outdoor nature exploration…all designed tohelp your scouts complete their goals. Programs areavailable Monday-Thursday late afternoons andevenings. Scout Days are in October, December,February, April, June and August.

Achievement #5Sharing Your World With

Wildlife

Electives:Nature Crafts

Water/Soil Conservation

For more information and scheduling please contact: Allison Roush, Scout Educator at (614) 545-5475 ext. 306 or aroush@audubon.org.

a tall shaft, chimney or similar structure to locate where the birds goto roost in your area. Then choose one night over the weekend ofSeptember 10 - 12, observe the roost starting about 30 minutesbefore dusk, and estimate the number of swifts that enter. When youhave your number, email Driftwood Wildlife Association the fol-lowing: Number of swifts counted, time, date, location and broaddescription of the site, e.g. school, warehouse, residence, ChimneySwift Tower, etc. Weather conditions may also be reported.

That's all there is to it! If you would prefer to join us for a count,Darlene Sillick will be at the Sells Middle School on Rt. 33/161 justwest of Dublin Road Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings,September 10 - 12. Sunset is about 7:50 those nights, so plan toarrive in the count area just behind the school between 7 - 7:15 p.m.Bring your lawn chair and insect repellent and wait for the show!Contact Darlene Sillick at azuretrails@columbus.rr.com.

Migration Alum Creek & Hoover ReservoirsSaturday, October 2, 8 a.m.Leaders: Rob Thorn

Migration should be changing from neotropical to temperatemigrants as we survey these two reservoirs north of Columbus.We’ll start at Alum, searching the small woodlands at the southernend of the Lake for migrant warblers, sparrows, jays, and raptorsThe wide lower part of Alum Creek Lake attracts a wide variety ofwaterfowl, so we'll keep an eye out for grebes, loons, and earlyducks. Afterwards we’ll move to the upper end of nearby HooverReservoir, where the mudflats of the Hoover Nature Preserveshould be infested with ducks & shorebirds. A side trip to HooverMeadows should round out our lists with marsh & field birds. We’llmeet at 8 a.m. at the Westerville Community Center parking lot (onCleveland Ave almost to County Line Road, about 1.5 mile north ofI-270). Bring sturdy shoes (for lots of possibly wet walking),snacks, and a windbreaker/jacket if the weather is cold. For moredetails contact Rob Thorn, 614-551-0643 orrobthorn@earthlink.net.

Sandhill Cranes of Jasper-PulaskiDate: To be determined (Oct. 29-31 or Nov. 19-21)Leader: Mike Flynn

Two-day trip to Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area, Indiana.The spectacle of these incredible birds is breathtaking. Sandhill

Cranes from Canada and the northern U.S. migrate south to theirwintering grounds in southeast Georgia and Florida.

On the way, they spend time at this special wildlife area, restingand feeding. Their numbers slowly build from late Septemberthroughout the autumn, and by early-mid November may reach 15-20,000 or more cranes. Each day they fly in, feed, rest, take off,return and call, giving an exhilarating show. Being here, and beingable to observe and apreciate the sights and sounds of this place andthe birds, is a great experience!

Drive time is approx. 4-1/2 hours. There are other nearby naturalares to visit that have good wildlife also. Carpooling may be avail-able. It is also possible to meet us there Saturday morning if Fridaydoes not work for you. You pay for your own costs including trans-portation, food and lodging, plus a $25 trip fee per person. RSVPby September 25. Contact: mflynn.wildandfree@gmail.com or,call (614) 769-1681.

Bird hikes at Blendon WoodsSaturdays, September 4 and October 2, 8 a.m.Leader: Bruce Simpson

Join Blendon Woods naturalist Bruce Simpson to check out localresidents and fall migrants as we wander the trails. Bring binocu-lars. We will start at the nature center, then explore Thoreau Lakeand other trails. Call (614) 508-8000 or go to www.metroparks.net.

Birding at Green Lawn CemeterySunday, October 3 and Saturday, October 16, 8 a.m.Leader: Darlene Sillick

Join Darlene Sillick, Columbus Audubon trustee on these twowalks. In October, the summer residents have either headed southor are looking for feeding nooks before the winter chill. Some of thewinter residents are arriving and we will delight to find and wel-come them back. We will spend two hours looking around some ofthe over 360 acres of this large and historic cemetery dating back to1848. Meet at the main entrance, office parking lot. E-mail azure-trails@columbus.rr.com or call (614) 288-3696. New birders wel-come!

Owl Prowl in PowellFriday, October 29, 6 p.m.Leader: Darlene Sillick

Join Darlene Sillick at Scioto Ridge Elementary on Big Bear Ave.in Powell for an Owl Prowl in Powell. We will discuss and try tohear or see Great Horned Owls during this walk. This program willlast about one hour. Maybe you will be the one chosen to wear thecostume to help teach owl adaptations! E-mail azuretrails@colum-bus.rr.com or call (614) 288-3696. New birders welcome!

Avid Birders field tripsAvid Birders welcome all birders to join any regularly scheduled

trip. We can accommodate an unlimited number of persons on mosttrips. Unless otherwise noted, participants should meet at the south-west corner of the Worthington Mall parking lot at the designatedtime. Next trip is to Lake Erie to view southbound migration onSeptember 11 from 5:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Service in the Preserves

Gallagher Fen State Nature PreserveSaturday, September 25, 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.Leader: Katryn Renard

What is the difference between a fen and a bog? Have you seena prairie fen that encompasses a marl meadow, a gravel terrace, anda mature oak-hickory open woods? We'll be exploring all this atGallagher Fen State Nature Preserve in Clark County. Our task willbe to build a staircase at the end of a savannah slope. It is a privi-lege to do work here since this SNP is accessible by permit only.There will be time to tour the fen to see the unique characteristicsthat made it desirable to conserve.

Meet at 7:45 a.m. in the parking lot inside the gate house at theOhio Department Natural Resources Complex, 2045 Morse Road,Columbus to travel in the ODNR van to the site. Please call KatrynRenard by Wednesday, September 22 at (614) 261-7171 to sign up,reserve space for transportation, and to help us determine toolrequirements. No special skills are required, but do bring yourlunch, water, work gloves and appropriate foot gear. You will needto complete the Dept. of Natural Area's volunteer form to partici-pate in this activity We will return to ODNR by 5 p.m.

11

Coming up Continued from page 4

Columbus Audubon

Columbus City Schools Columbus Audubon Ruth Tkacz Nancy Verber Katie Gabler Kevin Laudick Colleen Sheridan Laura Griesbach Global Gallery Faith Gehring Doug & Carol Wagner M. Griffaton M. Bretscher J. Gilliam Robin & Jesse Stock Julie Tunnell Margie Kukor Muriel Yeoman Thomas Eggert

Steve & Karen Cantlon Lisa & Steve Roach Abra Campbell Alice Black John Hoberg Dan & Kris Ross Abby King Mark Skinner Rosalind Batley Jane Ries James Tilling James & Shirley Britt Cindy Sargent Schaffner Family Teresa Gill MilleLynn Insurance Helen Krebs Rosalind Bately Alice Black Abea Campbell Susanna Heideman

John W Hoberg Huntington Foundation Little Garden Club ofColumbus Janie McIntyre John & Judith McLean Bernard Master Miller-Lynn Insurance Robin Mullet Judith Richardson Pat & Nancy Ross Schaffner Family Toni Seyfried Heather Shipley Cynthia Sigmon-Williams Mark Skinner James Tilling Ellen Tripp Judith Wicinski Williamson Insurance

Annual Pledge Breakfast in springUpdated Web Page and new contact management systemUpdated Strategic Plan created by board and staff in August 2010New Program Guides, Membership Guides, and Rental Brochures

And much, much more…Our members are key to the success of the Center! We appreciate everyone

who has pitched in and volunteered time, donated money or items, and support-ed the Center throughout our first infancy year. Help us transition now to tod-dler-hood over this next year by getting even more involved and introducing evenmore people to the GIAC. Word of mouth is our best marketing tool, so pleasebring your friends, neighbors, and family to your Center!

RETURN IN FIVE DAYS TO

Columbus Audubon P.O. Box 141350Columbus, Ohio 43214

Address Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE PAIDCOLUMBUS, OHIO

PERMIT 5146

Columbus Audubon Founded 1913614-545-5475www.columbusaudubon.orgTwitter: @ColumbusAudubonFacebook: pages/Columbus-Audubon

Officers: President:Heather Raymond, 785-0342Vice President: Bill Heck,481-8872Newsletter/Web SiteEditor: Stefanie Hauck,(740) 972-1680 Actiing Treasurer: WarrenGrodyRecording Secretary:Suzan Jervey

Trustees: Julie Davis, Mike Flynn, Joe Meara, HeatherRaymond, Katryn Renard, Barbara Revard, AndreaCook, Tom Sheley, Darlene Sillick, Andi Wolfe, SuzanJervey, Gerry Brevoort, Nadya Bennett, Warren Grody,Bill Heck and Jackie Bain.

Additional chapter leaders: Conservation: Dave Horn, 262-0312Service in the Preserves: Katryn Renard, 261-7171Education: Susan Setterlin, 457-8130 Programs: Mike Flynn, mflynn.wildandfree@gmail.comField Trips: Earl Harrison, eharrison@ehe.osu.eduCA Web site: Bill Heck, bill.heck@gmail.com CA KIDS: Nadya Bennett, 306-8215Ohio Young Birders: Gerry Brevoort, 761-3696Eco Weekend: Roz Horn, 262-0312; Lois Day, (740)549-0333Membership: Joe Meara, 430-9127IBA Committee: Heather Raymond, 785-0342Birdathon: Julie Davis, 523-2180 orKatryn Renard, 261-7171Avid Birders: http://www.columbusaudubon.org/

Grange Insurance Audubon Centerwww.grangeinsuranceauduboncenter.orgStaff: Center Director: Heather Starck Conservation Program Coordinator: Doreen WhitleyEducators: Joe Jennings, Tori Strickland & AllisonRoushDevelopment Director: Jeff RedfieldFinance & Office Manager: Christy Smith Patty Hecht, Nature Store ManagerFacilities Operations Manager: Wade WalcuttOffice phone: 614-545-5475Center hours: Tuesday-Friday 10-6pm, Saturday 9-3,and Sunday 11-5.GIAC Stewardship Board:Frances BeasleyBeth CraneGreg CunninghamJulie DavisO'Vell HarrisonBarry HunlockChester JourdanTom KatzenmeyerBernie MasterAlan McKnightSandra NessingJohn O’MearaPete PrecarioMark RealJan RodenfelsPatsy ThomasEllen TrippChristie Vargo

Continued from page 2

Thank youContinued from page 2