And Evergreen Audubon is springing into action like never before:  Spring Break hours and family programs at Evergreen Nature Center – the first time we’ve ever been open during Spring Break – were a huge success; nestbox sales at our two King Soopers stores were a hit – as always, the sales were a great way to spread the word about Evergreen Audubon and the plight of our cavity nesting birds. Volunteers are hitting the pavement, soliciting sponsorships and auction items for the June “Bash and Benefit.” Do you have a contact at a local business? Do you enjoy soliciting for a great cause?  We could use your help – send me an email at President@EvergreenAudubon.org. The Bash is going to be a great night out for a great cause. Be sure it’s on your calendar: Friday, June 7, 6pm at Evergreen Elks Lodge.

Plans are shaping up for the May 5 Dawn Chorus at Evergreen Lake;  spring and summer nestbox monitoring in three Jeffco Open Space parks this year (contact Rachel Hutchison at Rachel.Hutchison@EvergreenAudubon to learn more and to sign up); various public events including Earth Day (April 20), the Triple By-Pass (July 13), and more.  And we’re also looking forward to holding our membership picnic in July at the Bancroft Meadow (Douglas Hall in case of rain), adjacent to the nature center. 

Soon, we’ll know if we’ve been voted Evergreen’s Non-Profit of the Year ,and did you know that we’re launching a book club? And her team will have launched the spring “Explore More” programs at four elementary schools by the time you get this newsletter. Summer day camps are filling quickly; new exhibits are planned for Evergreen Nature Center; and plans are shaping up for improving the birding area behind the nature center building and the gardens in front.   

Of course, all this happens because of you – our enthusiastic members and our generous donors.  We have volunteer opportunities large and small.  Find out how you can participate by contacting Carol Burdick who has stepped up to coordinate volunteer opportunities.  Check in with her at Volunteers@EvergreenAudubon.org and she’ll find the perfect niche for you. With everything we’ve got going on, don’t forget to take the time to get outside with your binoculars. Check out the website for the field trip schedule, or stay closer to home. We’ve already seen three Mountain Bluebird scouts hanging around Blue Bird Meadow at Alderfer Three Sisters Open Space, although it’s possible that we’ve only seen one scout, three times.  There are bear footprints in the snow along our creek, and the neighborhood coyotes have been very vocal this week. Could it possibly be that I heard a Broadtailed Hummingbird while shoveling snow the other day?