Area residents can learn how the Audubon Community Nature Center’s 600-acre property is maintained at an upcoming event.

The center’s 600-acre wetland preserve includes more than five miles of trails, a native tree arboretum, picnic areas, a natural play space and educational gardens that can be explored from dawn until dusk every day.

It takes a lot of time and effort to keep Audubon available for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

At Audubon’s First Friday Lunch Bunch at 11 a.m. Sept. 7, Jeff Tome, senior naturalist, will share The Nature Plan that the center follows to maintain the property throughout the year as well as some of the Audubon’s hidden gems.

In addition to his primary role as an Audubon educator, Tome manages the invasive species program and represents the education staff on the organization’s land use management committee.

A bring-your-own brown bag lunch and conversation will follow the program, with coffee and tea provided.

The fee for attending is $8 for the public or $6 for Nature Center Members. Registrations are accepted online on the Programs page at auduboncnc.org through Thursday, Sept. 6. Walk-ins are welcome.

The Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. For more information, call 569-2345 during regular business hours or visit at auduboncnc.org.