The Friends of the
Nature Center
Nature Center
| Become a member of the FRIENDS! MISSION STATEMENT To enhance and encourage environmental education, scientific opportunities, and the enjoyment of nature at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS An opportunity to support and promote environmental education. The “feel good feeling” of knowing you are helping to preserve the incredible Jay C. Hormel Nature Center for future generations. A subscription to the NATURE CENTER NEWS, a biannual publication of the J.C. Hormel Nature Center. An invitation to the Friends Annual Meeting in January along with special programming. MEMBERSHIP LEVELS Supporter-$25-$39 Contributor-$40-$64 Advocate-$65-$99 Steward-$100-$149 Patron-$150-$249 Founder-$250 and up Life-$500 and up Please send membership fee to: Ron Walth, FHNC Treasurer P.O. BOX 83 Austin, Minnesota, 55912 |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
For about four years after moving to Austin, I knew of the Nature Center but only
rarely made it out to the grounds. Even as a runner, I only hit the trails about once a
year when I felt my legs needed a break from the pavement. It just never crossed my
mind to see what was going on out here. So, you can help correct that for someone you
know. Once you’ve read your copy of the newsletter, give it away instead of recycling it.
Highlight one of Stan Tekiela’s presentations, the observatory hours or one of the
photography classes, and give your copy to a coworker, neighbor, someone you cross
paths with who may not be aware of this wonderful resource right here in Austin. Once
you give your copy away, download a new one off the website or come in to pick one
up so you don’t miss any of the activities we have coming up this spring and summer.
When you do come out, take a look at the newly-expanded office space. Mike and his
crew worked on the renovation in January, and it looks great. In addition, here are some
of the other upgrades and projects we have recently completed or are planning this year:
possible. Plus, they are essential to everything you see offered through this newsletter.
As you can see, we keep offering more classes and presentations from year to year. That’
s thanks in a large part to this year’s Thanksgiving Feast. It was a sold-out night, and the
money we raised goes directly to the staffing for programs we offer. Thank you for
being part of something so important to this community.
This year we have two board members retiring: Milly Burroughs and Terry Taylor
(President). We offer our thanks for their many years of service on the board. They have
been very involved in the growth of this organization. We welcome Alice Tylutki and
Jerry Ibberson as new board members and look forward to their input.
I hope to see you out here enjoying our programs, getting some exercise, using your bird
book and binoculars, and experiencing the seasons.
Chris Anderson, President
rarely made it out to the grounds. Even as a runner, I only hit the trails about once a
year when I felt my legs needed a break from the pavement. It just never crossed my
mind to see what was going on out here. So, you can help correct that for someone you
know. Once you’ve read your copy of the newsletter, give it away instead of recycling it.
Highlight one of Stan Tekiela’s presentations, the observatory hours or one of the
photography classes, and give your copy to a coworker, neighbor, someone you cross
paths with who may not be aware of this wonderful resource right here in Austin. Once
you give your copy away, download a new one off the website or come in to pick one
up so you don’t miss any of the activities we have coming up this spring and summer.
When you do come out, take a look at the newly-expanded office space. Mike and his
crew worked on the renovation in January, and it looks great. In addition, here are some
of the other upgrades and projects we have recently completed or are planning this year:
- Improved storage in the lower level of the Visitor Center
- Upgraded computer equipment for additional staff and Sola Fide Observatory
- Painting and wainscoting in the Ruby Rupner Auditorium
- New tables and chairs in the Ruby Rupner Auditorium
- Buckthorn removal – see the results along Dobbins Creek between the Pine Loop
and West Prairie Loop - Prairie restoration
possible. Plus, they are essential to everything you see offered through this newsletter.
As you can see, we keep offering more classes and presentations from year to year. That’
s thanks in a large part to this year’s Thanksgiving Feast. It was a sold-out night, and the
money we raised goes directly to the staffing for programs we offer. Thank you for
being part of something so important to this community.
This year we have two board members retiring: Milly Burroughs and Terry Taylor
(President). We offer our thanks for their many years of service on the board. They have
been very involved in the growth of this organization. We welcome Alice Tylutki and
Jerry Ibberson as new board members and look forward to their input.
I hope to see you out here enjoying our programs, getting some exercise, using your bird
book and binoculars, and experiencing the seasons.
Chris Anderson, President
On Sunday, April 21, we celebrated the
life of Red, our Red-tailed Hawk, and
Earth Day with a memorial tree planting
and reception. We served mouse
cupcakes - a slightly sweeter version of
the mice Red ate during his 35-year life.
After the reception, Doug Wood and the
WildSpirit Band performed in the Ruby
Rupner Auditorium.
life of Red, our Red-tailed Hawk, and
Earth Day with a memorial tree planting
and reception. We served mouse
cupcakes - a slightly sweeter version of
the mice Red ate during his 35-year life.
After the reception, Doug Wood and the
WildSpirit Band performed in the Ruby
Rupner Auditorium.
