The Audubon Community Nature Center invites the community to join in welcoming its new president, Leigh Rovegno, on Friday, Aug. 10.

The public is invited to Audubon Community Nature Center on Friday, Aug. 10, from 5-6:30 p.m. for a reception welcoming Audubon’s new president Leigh Rovegno.

ACNC Board Chairman Pierre Chagnon announced, “After an extensive search, Audubon’s Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that Leigh Rovegno is taking the reins as our new president. Those of us who have had the opportunity to become acquainted with Leigh know that she will hit the ground running. She brings a wealth of experience with board members, staff, volunteers, funders, and community partners, and we all look forward to working together to fulfill Audubon’s mission to connect people to nature.”

Recently relocated from Colorado, Rovegno grew up in Rochester and her husband, Brian, grew up in Erie, Pa. With family visits in Rochester and Chautauqua every summer, their children already have a deep connection to the area. Their 9 year old daughter, Charlie, and 3 year old son, Noam, as well as other family from the area will join them at the reception.

Following study at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, Rovegno earned her degree in Environmental Studies at Naropa University in Boulder, Colo. Her professional background includes working at Denver Botanic Gardens’ Chatfield location where she proposed the introduction of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) that was awarded over $600,000 by Kaiser Permanente. The program quickly grew from one acre supporting 50 families in its first year to five acres supporting over 300 families in its third year. The program continues to thrive today.

Describing her enthusiasm for her new position, Rovegno said, “I’m excited about working for an organization that I feel good about, and that I believe in. With my passion for educating folks about nature and their environment, for preserving native plant and animal species, and for providing healthy and positive outdoor experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds, there is no place I would rather be than at Audubon Community Nature Center. It’s good to be home!”

Rovegno’s formal introduction at the welcome reception will be at 5:30 p.m. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are appreciated. They can be made by calling 569-2345 during business hours or online through the Programs page at auduboncnc.org.

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Located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren, Pa., Audubon Community Nature Center has more than five miles of beautifully maintained trails on a 600-acre wetland preserve. Its three-story building, open daily, houses the Blue Heron Gift Shop and a collection of live fish, reptiles, and amphibians. One of the most visited exhibits is Liberty, a non-releasable Bald Eagle, in her outdoor habitat.

To learn more about Audubon and its many programs, call 569-2345 or visit auduboncnc.org.