Audubon Community Nature Center holds annual meeting

The Audubon Community Nature Center recently celebrated the completion of its October 2025-September 2026 fiscal year with an annual meeting that was open to all members.

Following a social time, Tina Downey, board chair, thanked outgoing directors Erin Pender and Peter Stark and welcomed newly elected directors Josh Burkett from Russell, Pa., Jennifer McMaster Lumia from Jamestown, Alex Schreffler from Warren, Pa., and Shelly Wells from Ashville. In addition to Downey, continuing board members are First Vice Chair Linda Sobina, Second Vice Chair Dr. Eugenie Poignard, Secretary Carey Lee, Treasurer Netta Lindell, and directors Jennifer Bliss, Loren Chase, Pat Evans, and Steve Riczker.

Stark reported on Audubon's annual audit and current financial position.

Nearing completion of his first year as executive director, Aaron Sidder gave an overview of 2025-26, citing successes, challenges, and ongoing work, and looked ahead to 2026-27.

Visitor Experience Director Katie Finch, Education Director Chelsea Jandreau, and Nature Educators/Animal Care Specialists Emma Roth and Charlotte Schmaltz shared information and accomplishments of the past year. Highlights included 10 one-day holiday camps and more than 230 children participating in summer day camps; monthly Little Explorers, Photography Club, and First Fridays; birthday parties, live animal programs, and outreach; and water chestnut removal.

Improvements inside the Nature Center building included the second floor bathrooms and reception desk supported by the Sheldon Foundation, new pollinator exhibit flowers supported by the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County Projects Pool Grants Program, the third floor upgrade sponsored by(Bob and Kathy Frucella in partnership with Lafayette Corners Furniture, well and septic upgrades supported by the Lenna Foundation, and lighting upgrade courtesy of National Fuel and the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

The grounds were enhanced with parking lot repairs (New York State Parks, Recreation, & Historic Preservation ZBGA Capital Grants Program), the Bird and Bat Garden (Northern Allegheny Conservation Association), signage upgrade (Cummins), the roadside meadow extension (the Duckett Family), Walk of Beauty (donor), and Larry Brown Memorial (Larry Brown's family).

Katie Finch's keynote presentation focused on the history of the Ralph Simpson Collection. In a dedicated room at ACNC, a display of more than 150 birds was created during a time when collections, rather than field guides, were an important resource to learn more about birds.