Bedford Audubon Launches Outreach Initiative

Bedford Audubon hosted students from the Community Center of Northern Westchester’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program at its historic farmhouse headquarters, Bylane Farm, for an introduction to bird conservation. Despite the gloomy weather, the mood was sunny for the students and their families who joined Bedford Audubon staff and volunteers for the event. Participants learned the basics of birding and the environmental mission of Bedford Audubon while being treated to a family style brunch. The program continued with a bilingual film and slide show covering bird migration, bird banding, and the importance of local Hawkwatch research.

Saturday’s program was part of Bedford Audubon’s newly launched outreach initiative. The initiative will provide additional opportunities to connect people with nature and teach about the importance of conservation. Outreach Coordinator Dana Heikkila added, “Igniting curiosity about nature leads to a greater understanding and respect for it.” Jana Patel, who co-leads the initiative alongside Dana, continued, “Embracing diversity and inclusion will empower those with unique backgrounds and perspectives to engage with Bedford Audubon, enriching our work and cultivating a vibrant community dedicated to protecting birds and their habitats.”

The event was especially meaningful to Bedford Audubon’s Registrar, Susan Sloan, who also volunteers as an ESOL tutor at the Community Center: “A love of birds and nature is something that transcends language, it’s something we can all share and enjoy. I know we sparked an interest that will continue to build.”

To find out more about Bedford Audubon’s outreach program or to set up an outreach program or event, email Dana Heikkila or Jana Patel at outreach@bedfordaudubon.org.

Bedford Audubon’s mission is to grow and nurture a community that values the conservation of birds and their habitats. It does so by providing high-quality environmental education programs, research, and birdwatching experiences. Established in 1913, Bedford Audubon was integral in enacting early conservation laws in New York State to protect birds and habitat. Today, Bedford Audubon is a leading voice for conservation and the advancement of habitat networks that are essential for birds, pollinators, insects, and wildlife, and proudly serves the communities of Armonk, Bedford, Brewster, Carmel, Katonah, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Patterson, Pound Ridge, Somers, and Yorktown. For more information about programming including a Bird Banding Demonstration and Hawkwatch programs, and/or to become a member, visit www.bedfordadubon.org.