The Audubon Community Nature Center has a scholarship opportunity for local students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in an environmental or related field. April 14 is the deadline for applying for the $500 that will be raised at May’s Birdathon.

Each year in early May, Audubon Community Nature Center education staff and those who want to participate raise money through a day-long Birdathon.

The $500 Ryan Exline Scholarship funded by the birdathon is awarded to an area college-bound high school senior or college student who intends to pursue a future in an environmental or related field.

Audubon is accepting applications for the 2025 scholarship, named in memory of one of its earliest recipients, through Monday, April 14.

Ryan Exline was an integral part of the Audubon family for many years. He assisted with gardening, eagle care, live animal care, and educational programs. He was pursuing a master’s degree at Duke University when he died in a car accident. Audubon honors him by naming this scholarship for him.

Previous scholarship winners include Charlie Milliman, Tim Galati, Hanna Hornyak, Diego Rey, Christina McMillan, Heather Zimba, Taylor West, Brandon Allen, Connor Clendenen, Allison Cramer, Alex Kulakowski, Elyse Johnson, Brenton Maille, Alyssa D’Alessandro, Alexa Vazquez, Tricia Bergstue, Karen Eckstrom, Bill Langworthy, Rex Everett, Ryan Exline, and Eve Gaus.

For more information and to apply by the April 14 deadline, visit AudubonCNC.org/scholarships.

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. Visit the nearly 600-acre nature preserve, check in on the live birds of prey, and hike more than five miles of trails dawn until dusk daily for free.