Audubon Vermont is host to two full-time AmeriCorps members that serve for an eleven-month term total. These two members work closely with the education team and allow Audubon Vermont to have a presence at events and conferences it otherwise may not be able to attend. Kyra Monsam serves as the education and outreach coordinator AmeriCorps member, and David Hewitt serves as the community science and chapter engagement coordinator AmeriCorps member. This fall, Kyra and David were able to attend a wide variety of such events, including the Vermont Works for Women Conference, the Youth Environmental Summit, a tabling session at Mount Mansfield Union High School, and the Halloween on the Green event in Richmond, Vermont.
At most of these events, a member of the education staff and at least one AmeriCorps member would run a table. These tables would include materials related to Audubon Vermont’s conservation mission and relate to the intended audience of the event. For many of these events, which are geared towards career exploration for students, the materials would include possible jobs within the conservation field and a fun activity to grab the attention of the students. We would practice bird ID using field guides and plush or taxidermied birds, and we also made native seed packets which students could take home and spread in their own gardens. At the Halloween event, we made seed packets as well as handing out candy to children in the Richmond/Huntington community. We strive to bring fun and engaging activities that focus on environmental education to these events, and hopefully foster an interest in conservation in the students that attend them.
Attending these events makes it possible for Audubon Vermont to be active within and around their community, and can help to promote various opportunities currently available within Audubon Vermont, such as the Junior Conservation Technician program. Heading into the new year, David and Kyra are excited to continue their outreach and education within the community. Keep an eye out for upcoming events with Audubon Vermont’s presence, such as the Tough Conversations Webinar, the NOFA VT Children’s Conference, our Sugar on Snow parties, the Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival, and monthly family programs held at the Green Mountain Audubon Center. Check out our events page for more information on these programs and sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop on what Audubon Vermont will be up to in your community!
