Connecticut Audubon Campaign Exceeds Goal

FAIRFIELD — At the April meeting of the Connecticut Audubon board of directors, victory was declared for the organization’s $4 million Mission 2000 Campaign that was launched in 1997. Over the three-year campaign period, a total of $4.3 million was raised through donations from individual and business supporters from around the state as well as from foundations and grants.

Proceeds from the campaign will enhance and expand statewide facilities, programs, and activities of the Connecticut Audubon Society, one of the state’s oldest and largest environmental education organizations.

In 1998, Connecticut Audubon celebrated its 100th anniversary. At the same time, the Mission 2000 Campaign set the momentum for the future growth and success of the organization.

According to Mission 2000 Campaign Chairman Leslie Carothers, vice president of environment, health, and safety for United Technologies Corporation, the campaign exceeded its goal due to the hard work of so many dedicated Connecticut Audubon staff and volunteers who support the organization’s environmental education mission. “Our Board members and development staff knocked on many doors. We are delighted that the responses were so generous,” said Ms Carothers.

“Connecticut Audubon’s staff and volunteers will continue the success of the Mission 2000 Campaign by building the resources we need to hold our place as our state’s leader in environmental protection, education, and advocacy,” she continued.

Already many new Connecticut Audubon projects and programs are underway resulting from the success of the Mission 2000 Campaign. The new Connecticut Audubon Rolling Nature Center, a 35-foot mobile teaching vehicle, was launched in April and is already on the road traveling to schools around the state providing innovative environmental education programs.

Also, at Connecticut Audubon’s Birdcraft Museum in Fairfield, construction is underway for a new Visitor’s Center that will provide expanded environmental programming for students of all ages. A brand-new 15-passenger van is being used for Connecticut Audubon’s Eco-Travel programs, bringing people to destinations around the region to learn more about nature through firsthand experience.

A remodeled teaching room at the Connecticut Audubon Center in Glastonbury was recently completed and provides additional teaching space for classes. And a new one-mile special use trail at Larsen Sanctuary in Fairfield was constructed to provide increased access to nature for stroller and wheelchair riders and walkers of all ages.

In addition to these and other projects, Connecticut Audubon will add staff devoted to environmental education and increased legislative advocacy efforts in Hartford.

“One of Connecticut Audubon’s strengths is the professional staff and volunteers that carry out the mission of the organization,” explained David M. Engleman of Fairfield, chairman of the Connecticut Audubon board of directors. “It is our goal to continue to build upon our past success with the people resources necessary to expand our environmental education mission to all citizens of the state.”

Founded in 1898, Connecticut Audubon is a statewide, non-profit membership organization dedicated to providing excellence in environmental education and encouraging the conservation of the state’s natural resources. Connecticut Audubon operates facilities in Fairfield, Milford, Glastonbury, Hartford, Hampton, Pomfret, and has an Eco Travel office in Essex.

The Society also manages 19 wildlife sanctuaries around the state preserving over 2,200 acres of open space. For Connecticut Audubon membership information, call 203/259-6305, extension 17.