As you may know Columbus Audubon (CA) and Grange Insurance Audubon Center (GIAC) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding that forges strong ties between our organizations. In addition, CA has committed $100,000 to the Capital Campaign. Located on the Whittier Peninsula, GIAC will bring nature and birding to a wider audience and help preserve a great birding area that some of you have been visiting for many years. You can help spread the word and get others involved in supporting GIAC from groundbreaking to grand opening. We are looking for volunteers in the following categories:

• Steering Committee Volunteers: Volunteers are needed to help plan and oversee the implementation of the community fundraising campaign. This committee already has been meeting and is well into planning. Your commitment would begin immediately and last until the GIAC opens (estimated to be late spring 2009). Right now, we meet in the evening every 3 weeks but expect to conduct business mostly by phone and email in the future. Commitment and enthusiasm are the major requirements. Good organizational skills, affiliation with service organizations or other community groups, interest or background in marketing, public relations, volunteer coordination and/or fundraising are pluses but not required.
• Community Outreach Volunteers: Volunteers are needed to participate in community outreach or represent GIAC at community events and speaking engagements. Training and resource materials will be provided by GIAC staff and consultants. Time commitment is flexible. Transportation is required. These opportunities will begin around April 22 and run until the doors open at the GIAC.

Join fellow nature enthusiasts in promoting this exciting new asset to Franklin County. To learn more, contact Tamara James at tamajam@sbcglobal.net and put GIAC in the Subject line.

Eco-Weekend is Columbus Audubon's biggest outdoor learning activity for adults and families. The 2008 version will happen May 2 - 4, so you will want to get it on the calendar now! For details, see the Eco-Weekend page.

The latest issue of the April Song Sparrow is available. Click here to download it.

The latest issue of the CA Kids Newsletter is available. Click here to download it.

Columbus Audubon is seeking an Events Coordinator to coordinate all of our display events, including scheduling the event, coordinating volunteers to work the tables, working with the education chair to create a child’s activity and getting the display to the event. The work is mostly March through October, but there may be events to work on throughout the year. Please call Julie Davis at (614) 523-2180.