On September 14, your dedicated and enthusiastic Board of Directors spent time brainstorming what Evergreen Audubon and Evergreen Nature Center might look like in 5 or 10 years and beyond and what we would have to do to get there. This day-long exercise was interrupted only by a magnificent bull elk bugling to his harem right outside the door and a potluck “taco bar” lunch. Inspired and well-fed, we generated a long and exciting list of possibilities!
We have set a goal to have a new, five-year strategic plan in place by the beginning of 2025. The period from January 2025 through December 2029 includes our 60th anniversary year, 2028, and our efforts during these years will set the stage Evergreen Audubon and Evergreen Nature Center for many years in the future.
What do we see in our future? We want to support our talented staff members who are so important in our efforts to conserve wildlife and educate our community. We want to enhance efforts to foster contagious enthusiasm for nature and the environment. We want to strengthen our conservation and community science work. We want Evergreen Nature Center to grow and shine as a community resource and inspiration to all. As we transition from a birding and nature club to a bona fide and ambitious nonprofit, we are considering whether and when we might need to increase our staff – currently we depend heavily on volunteers for jobs that require long hours and technical expertise.
Are we always asking for your support? Of course we are! Evergreen Audubon’s financial stability is the Board’s number one responsibility. Everything Evergreen Audubon does now and in the future depends on it. Thank you so much.
While we work on finalizing the 2025-2030 plan, we are also preparing the Fall 2024 Annual Fund solicitation (coming soon to your mailbox); kicking off Marilyn’s Wreath Sale (online starting Oct. 1); picking up litter on Highway 73 (Oct. 19); and gearing up for the Christmas Bird Count (Dec 15). And, of course, Ed Furlong and others are preparing for chapter meetings on Oct. 1, Nov. 5, and Dec. 3; the Alternative Gift Fair (Nov. 9 and 10); and Colorado Gives Day (Dec. 10). We have board elections coming up and we are already recruiting chairpersons for 2025 committees. Please reach out to me if you want to know more about any of these activities, are interesting in serving on the Chapter’s dynamic and fun Board of Directors, or want to be part of one of our amazing committees. I am at: President@EvergreenAudubon.org and look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for supporting Evergreen Audubon!