"The Siding is Falling!"
Tax deductible
Local Bird Organization Wages Battle with Woodpeckers
**All we need is 80 people to donate $100 by June 15!**
Marvin the Black-billed Magpie was undercover at the Audubon Nature Center at Chatfield State Park. From a perch in a blue spruce, Marvin overheard Denver Audubon staff discussing plans to remove the severely damaged and aging wood siding on their buildings. The Audubon Nature Center building and outdoor lab classroom were originally built as part of a homestead and local farm in the late 1930s, and have since passed through different owners including Martin-Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Marvin the Magpie reports that the Audubon Society of Greater Denver is leasing the building from Chatfield State Park until 2049 and have big plans for implementing more building improvements.
“Well, personally, my wife and I were shocked to hear that these ‘bird advocates’ are planning to remove our favorite siding material – I mean, rotting wood is ideal for our own renovation plans,” stated Frank the Northern Flicker. Francine Flicker also shared, “I was afraid that something would happen after that lady who does the school field trips surprised me one day. Frank had brilliantly pecked a hole in the corner of the building and we were ready to move inside – we figured if anyone would welcome us, it would be the Audubon Society . . . but apparently we were mistaken!”
After meeting with siding contractors, it was discovered lead abatement would be necessary when removing the old shingles before new siding can be installed. Marvin the Magpie reported that he overheard the Executive Director and the Community Outreach Coordinator discussing the need to raise $15,000 to complete the project, and are turning to local friends and colleagues to meet their goal. Babs the Red-winged Blackbird commented during a daily feeder chat how “wonderful it is when the Audubon staff and volunteers fill our bird feeders with delicious seeds and suet. I, for one, hope they meet their fundraising goal. If I had a way to earn money, I would donate. Frank and Francine have PLENTY of trees to excavate around here. They should stop whining.”
The Audubon Nature Center sees thousands of birders, visitors, hikers, and bikers every year. In order to fulfill the mission to connect people with nature, the Audubon Society of Greater Denver is asking for partners, program participants, friends, family, and co-workers to consider donating to offset the costs of the project on the “Support Our Siding” GoFundMe page or by mailing a check to Audubon Society of Greater Denver, 9308 S. Wadsworth Blvd, Littleton, CO 80128, with “Siding Project” in the memo.
The birds - excluding the Flickers - Thank You for your support.
P.S. - Executive Director Karl Brummert and Community Outreach Coordinator Kate Hogan each donated $100 to kick-off the campaign. Kate has reluctantly given up 20 white chocolate mochas with skim milk and no whip cream. Karl will grudgingly forego one of his extravagant sushi dinners and settle for Ramen noodles. We all strongly believe in Denver Audubon's mission and cherish the nature center where so many children and adults learn about birds, other wildlife, and habitats. We have seen the impact the center has had on connecting children to nature.
**All we need is 80 people to donate $100 by June 15!**
Marvin the Black-billed Magpie was undercover at the Audubon Nature Center at Chatfield State Park. From a perch in a blue spruce, Marvin overheard Denver Audubon staff discussing plans to remove the severely damaged and aging wood siding on their buildings. The Audubon Nature Center building and outdoor lab classroom were originally built as part of a homestead and local farm in the late 1930s, and have since passed through different owners including Martin-Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Marvin the Magpie reports that the Audubon Society of Greater Denver is leasing the building from Chatfield State Park until 2049 and have big plans for implementing more building improvements.
“Well, personally, my wife and I were shocked to hear that these ‘bird advocates’ are planning to remove our favorite siding material – I mean, rotting wood is ideal for our own renovation plans,” stated Frank the Northern Flicker. Francine Flicker also shared, “I was afraid that something would happen after that lady who does the school field trips surprised me one day. Frank had brilliantly pecked a hole in the corner of the building and we were ready to move inside – we figured if anyone would welcome us, it would be the Audubon Society . . . but apparently we were mistaken!”
After meeting with siding contractors, it was discovered lead abatement would be necessary when removing the old shingles before new siding can be installed. Marvin the Magpie reported that he overheard the Executive Director and the Community Outreach Coordinator discussing the need to raise $15,000 to complete the project, and are turning to local friends and colleagues to meet their goal. Babs the Red-winged Blackbird commented during a daily feeder chat how “wonderful it is when the Audubon staff and volunteers fill our bird feeders with delicious seeds and suet. I, for one, hope they meet their fundraising goal. If I had a way to earn money, I would donate. Frank and Francine have PLENTY of trees to excavate around here. They should stop whining.”
The Audubon Nature Center sees thousands of birders, visitors, hikers, and bikers every year. In order to fulfill the mission to connect people with nature, the Audubon Society of Greater Denver is asking for partners, program participants, friends, family, and co-workers to consider donating to offset the costs of the project on the “Support Our Siding” GoFundMe page or by mailing a check to Audubon Society of Greater Denver, 9308 S. Wadsworth Blvd, Littleton, CO 80128, with “Siding Project” in the memo.
The birds - excluding the Flickers - Thank You for your support.
P.S. - Executive Director Karl Brummert and Community Outreach Coordinator Kate Hogan each donated $100 to kick-off the campaign. Kate has reluctantly given up 20 white chocolate mochas with skim milk and no whip cream. Karl will grudgingly forego one of his extravagant sushi dinners and settle for Ramen noodles. We all strongly believe in Denver Audubon's mission and cherish the nature center where so many children and adults learn about birds, other wildlife, and habitats. We have seen the impact the center has had on connecting children to nature.
Organizer
Karl Brummert
Organizer
Littleton, CO
Audubon Society of Greater Denver
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
