Are the neighbors, neighborhood groups, the local school district, Chamber of Commerce and etc. Audubon wants its Centers to be gateways to our organization and to conservation. We need to locate in prominent places where people can find us, and where the Center provides an entrance to an outstanding natural area. The priority of Audubon Centers is to connect people to nature, not to build buildings. Having quality site-based environmental education programs in place first establishes an important precedent, and builds community support for an eventual Audubon Center.
Form follows function.
These are generally science-based programs designed to guide participants along the continuum from appreciation, to understanding to stewardship. Often, volunteers from chapters lead these programs in close cooperation with local school districts. Chapters with strong educational programs are well positioned to extend them to an Audubon Center. We may have access to funding resources and potential partners. Let's work together to ensure that we learn from our experiences, and that we build successful, sustainable Audubon Centers that link people to nature and to Audubon for years to come.