After years of use, the support structures of the bridge and boardwalk over Audubon Community Nature Center’s Spatterdock Pond have sunk into the muck and are in serious need of repairs.

The public is invited to enjoy a meal and evening out to help save a bridge.

On Saturday, March 30, the Audubon Community Nature Center is hosting “Spaghetti for Spatterdock Bridge” at the Nature Center. Dinner will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Built in the late 1970s, Spatterdock Bridge is a favorite part of the Audubon trail system that crosses over Spatterdock Pond. After years of use, the support structures of the bridge and boardwalk have sunk into the muck and even with interim repairs are in serious need of reconstruction. When there is a lot of rain, the bridge floods and becomes dangerous for hikers.

Audubon Community Nature Center volunteers will work this summer to raise the bridge and replace any broken boards. The proceeds from this dinner will go directly toward purchasing the materials they need.

Those who arrive early can explore the exhibits and visit Liberty, Audubon’s non-releasable Bald Eagle. The Nature Center building will remain open to guests until 7:30 p.m. Those who are curious about how Spatterdock Pond and Bridge got their names, staff or volunteers will be available to explain their origins.

Portage Pies of Westfield, which has been featured on PBS as one of the best pie shops in the country, will have pies available as part of an additional fundraiser giveaway while Rick Rupprecht will have some of his chocolate chip cookies for sale. Anne Watkins has donated vegan and/or gluten free chocolate chip cookies.

The dinner menu features spaghetti with red sauce and meat- or vegi-balls, tossed salad, bread and butter, dessert, and coffee, water, or milk.

Prices are $15 for adults ages 18 and up, which includes chance for a door prize, and children ages 13-17, and $10 for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Children ages five and under are free.

Reservations are appreciated but are not required. They can be made by going to auduboncnc.org/programs, clicking on Current Schedule, and finding Spaghetti for Spatterdock Bridge.

Slone Melhuish insurance has sponsored the event. Event sponsors provide additional financial support to help Audubon meet its fundraising goals. For more information about sponsorship, call Leigh Rovegno, Audubon Community Nature Center president, at 569-2345 or email lrovegno@auduboncnc.org.