Our family has been donating to the Connecticut Audubon Society for the past ten years. This organization does so much to help the environment. My children have been involved in the tree planting projects. All the volunteers have always been so friendly and helpful.
Since Charity Web is all about the financials, I feel that most of the comments here are on the wrong track. The organization may do some good work, but they have dropped significantly in the last few years in the Charity Web ratings. It seems that financially things are looking bad for CT Audubon. Their fund-raising efforts are not as effective as they once were, they have dropped their annual eagle event, they no longer have a membership director. Perhaps they should have merged with the National Audubon Society when they had the chance.
Review from CharityNavigator
Over the past 20 or so years, my family and I have been involved with Connecticut Audubon Society. The experiences we have shared both in the sanctuary and in the museum have been wonderful. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and always willing to help research a question.
Furthermore, the Society's commitment to the town in supplementing the science based educational programs has been outstanding!
I have been a volunteer at the CT Audubon Society Center in Glastonbury for over 10 years. I believe strongly that children and adults need the opportunity to explore New England's woods, fields, streams and ponds, as well as experience up close our native animals. As a youth, I spent an extensive amount of time in nature, but most children today do not have that opportunity. Through school and family programs, I am able to introduce people to the natural environment, and help them gain an appreciation for the beauty and complexity of our natural world.
I became a Director of Connecticut Audubon because I was attracted to their mission of protecting birds and their habitat in Connecticut which is where I live. I also like the fact that their positions are science based not emotional appeals since conservation is a complex subject not well served by slogans. This is a pleasant contrast to the positions and activities of other environmental and conservation organizations that operate in Connecticut and one of the reasons I give it a high rating and work in its behalf.
CAS has become an important part of our family's lives. Our children participated in programs there and now have their children happily taking part in programs suitable for their ages.
We now have many very good friends with whom we socialize after having met them through CAS and we enjoy attending the really fun fundraising events held throughout the year.
CAS is a powerful force in the State of CT for conservation, nature-based education, and land preservation -- impacting the lives of thousands of citizens of all ages in very positive ways. There are countless examples.
Personally I think of the six kids I have taken to observe bird banding. I think of the expressions on their faces as they held a bird and felt it's heart beat -- 2 - 3 times as fast as our own. For several of these kids, the experience changed their lives as it sparked a continuing interest in nature and the out-of-doors.
Our 6 year old Grand-daughter attended a summer program at the Glastonbury Audubon facility last summer and she was so excited. After the class she ran down the path in front of us to show us where the class had gone on their field trips during the day. She pointed out bird nests and a special kind of hut made out of tree branches. We gave her a pair of binoculars for Christmas and now she takes them with her when we go on walks together so that she can get a better look at the birds. The Audubon program really made her aware of the birds and the importance of conservation habits to help protect the birds.
I participate in the education programs for regional schools for sessions in which the children study bird migration. The time spent is richly rewarded by the looks on the children's faces as they learn to understand the lessons birds teach us about the environment. I love seeing the change in a child's face when they "get it." To see children become life long birders is worth every moment. CT Audubon is such an important organization, focused solely on Connecticut's birds and environmental issues.
I lived on property adajcent to CT Audubons Burr Street Headquarters for fifteen years. My two sons and their friends spent many memorable days at the center and hiking the nature trails. CT Audubon provides the opportunity to relate to the natural enviornment and the importance of preserving and improving it. I was pleased to be invited to join the Board and continue the work of CT Audubon.
In a wink, after being asked to join in 2004, I was consumed by the volunteer spirit and camaraderie of the regional board of the Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Glastonbury. This group works tirelessly and selflessly to plan and conduct fundraisers - five per year - to support the children's education programs about the natural world that the Center provides. You have but to shadow one class of third graders and to watch the awe and excitement on their faces as they have first-hand experiences with nature, on our field trips or in the classroom, to to understand why your volunteer effort makes a difference and how your investment of time and money reinforces the Society's mission. It is also a joy to watch our after school group of volunteer children learn how to take care of and handle the animals (birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods) at the Center.
As a Director for 20 years I had the opportunity of observing what Connecticut Audubon does for the state. CAS's hundreds of dedicated volunteers and staff expose children and adults to nature as they likely would never have seen. Programs provide hands-on experience that most schools do not offer. CAS is a complimentary and important counterbalance to the myriad of wonderful sports programs available in most towns. Absent Connecticut Audubon's creative programs many people would simply miss the wonders of nature that are so important to all of us.
As a former teacher and a lover of nature (especially birds!) I've been involved with CT Audubon Society Center at Glastonbury for nearly 20 years. Not only have I enjoyed thier wonderful events and interesting exhibits but I've been at the Center on many occasions to watch the excitment of the children who have just returned from a class walk through Earl Park or a lesson with the Center's animals. These little inquisitve minds are truly alive; it's as if they can't get enough information.
Over the years I've participated in many birding trips, both day and overnight. I had no idea that I could learn so much about birds and have so much fun. Great organization; great people!
I am an environmental attorney who often represents non-profit organizations, municipalities and citizen groups seeking to protect the interests of natural resources. Over 20 years of practice I have seen how committed and effective Audubon has been in advocating for the protection of avian species, especially coastal and migratory populations. As a result, Connecticut's ecology has been conserved in myriad ways and the quality of life preserved for the future.
Their Coastal research Center in Milford, CT is a wonderful facility which teaches children the value of natural resources and habitat and our role in their world. The setting not only has access to a diversity of habitat types but is also one of the most beautiful locations on the CT coast.
I am a retired board member of the Connecticut Audubon Society who continues to be an active supporter. The dedication and knowledge of the professional staff is amazing -- especially in the way they use that knowledge to educate the public about the serious conservation issues facing Connecticut. Whether it is teaching thousands of school children, or working with the State Legislature to promote science-based conservation legislation, Connecticut Audubon is an invaluable asset to our state.
What I find most amazing about Ct. Audubon are the different sanctuaries that represents every type of habitat for birds. There is something for everyone of all ages.
The Annual State of the Birds report is second to none because it educates people on the environmental issues that face our bird populations here in the State of Connecticut.
The education programs are great especially the Bird Banding at the Birdcraft Museum in Fairfield.
The annual events are fun and affordable. From the Xmas Tea and Adirondack Night to the Annual "Birds in their Habitat" Art Exhibit.
CT. Audubon has really improved it's image in recent years and this organization is well worth supporting.
I have been banding birds in Connecticut for some time now. I am collecting data to help determine the primary factors in changing bird populations. Connecticut Audubon's yearly State of the Birds publication, complete with its insightful articles and analysis, has proven to be very helpful in my work. CAS has a wealth of resources in addition to State of the Birds to make membership a must for anyone interested in preserving our local habitats.
The Connecticut Audubon Society literally changed the face of conservation in Connecticut after their work on an undeveloped offshore island scheduled for development determined that the island was regionally important as a nesting site for many state-listed species of conservation concern. Subsequently, the island was purchased by the Nature Conservancy and transferred to the US Fish and Wildlife Service as a National Wildlife Refuge. Without this important work, the island, and the bird habitat it supported would have become another seashore development.
I walked into the Center at Pomfret to inquire about the trails and what I have seen on their sanctuary. Within minutes, I had Sarah getting Andy to take me a private walk. They did not know who I was, if I had any money or kids and it did not seem to matter. They were just helping a fellow environmentalist. I have never felt so welcomed in all my years working with clubs. I help now whenever I can and continue my wonderful walks with Andy and am a citizen scientist now!
I volunteered with Connecticut Audubon Society's CANE program in Fairfield and went through the training session and then teaching the children. What a great experience for me and the children! The training was great and I felt so good that I was able to help teach science. The children in kindergarten were mesmerized by the puppet show and I heard from friends they went home and told their parents all about hibernating animals. Connecticut Audubon Society does a great job and I would recommend getting involved.