It is humbling for me to see our organization reaching 59 years of age with nearly 200 memberships, an Environmental Center, energetic trip leaders and great speakers at our meetings. This is a tribute to our membership and our founder Robert B. Coyle. It is in Bob’s memory that the motivation to continue his legacy resides. Enthusiasm for the natural world and science-based discussions are the hallmark of the Athol Bird and Nature Club. Whether looking at birds, dragonflies, wildflowers, moths, rocks and minerals, or a darkened night sky full of constellations the soul of us all is tied to our environment.
The last couple years have been a trying time for all of us. The pandemic has left many with missing family and friends and a cautious optimism that with vaccines and therapeutics improving we can get past this and continue to flourish. We have continued to safely engage with members using technology (zoom) and outdoor adventures.
Our volunteers have not been idle during the last couple years. The Millers River Environmental Center has been painted and exhibits updated. A wonderful mural by Susan Marshal graces the wall in the large meeting room and enhances the large Bull Moose mounted on the wall. The Geology Division has been cataloging the collection and the native plant gardens have been continually upgraded.
Sundays in July and August we were able to have a wonderful series of Open houses culminating in our August 24th celebration with live music and a presentation by Tom Ricardi and his collection of birds of prey which were enjoyed by over one-hundred members and friends. This also gave us a chance to honor the lives of friends who have passed. Future programs will include a Sunday series by the Geology Division featuring some of the region’s well known geologists. (Stay tuned for details).
Your membership in the ABNC runs from September 1 through August 31, and it’s that time of year again. If you didn’t renew last year, we miss you and want you back. Your support is vitally important to our mission—opening eyes to the beauty of our natural world, providing opportunities to enjoy and learn about it, spreading the word about protecting it. In addition, your support helps us maintain the Millers River Environmental Center, its marvelous collections, and the meeting space it provides for numerous community groups. Join or renew online
We are excited to announce the speaker series for our ABNC monthly meetings. The meetings occur on the second Wednesday of the month @ 7:00 PM. We hope to be providing a hybrid opportunity for most of these webinars where you can participate in person at the Environmental Center or watch online via zoom. January and February are exceptions as our speakers will be joining us from across the Country and those of us locally can avoid driving at night in potential snowstorms. A special thanks to all the scientists and naturalists for including ABNC in their lives.
ABNC Speaker series 2022-2023
At Millers River Environmental Center unless otherwise noted.
October 12, 2022, 7:00 PM Genius of the Swamp – Dale Monette
November 9, 2022, 7:00 PM Birding in the land of the Midnight Sun – Jeff Blanchard
(Potential return of the annual dinner meeting stay tuned)
December 14, 2022, 7:00 PM Members night
January 11, 2023, 7:00 PM Wasps: The Astonishing Diversity of a Misunderstood Insect.
Eric Eaton (Zoom only)
February 8, 2023, 7:00 PM – “What is a species, and who cares” Rodger Gwiazdowski – discussing the epistemology of species boundaries, and the real-world legal, implications for food, conservation, etc. (Zoom only)
March 8, 2023, 7:00 PM, Eastern Massachusetts Hawk Watch – Mark Morris – Learn about Hawk Migration in Ma and how to participate in Spring Hawkwatch at Adams Farm right here in Athol.
Who we are:
Looking back at our articles of organization it looks like we are staying true to the original goals set forth when we officially incorporated in 1997 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Thanks for your continued support of your organization.
ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION
The purpose of the corporation is to engage in the following activities:
1) To enhance the appreciation of natural history in the Athol/North Quabbin/Mount Grace Region, and to support programs locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
2) To provide activities, including field trips and programs, in natural history observation, management, and conservation and rehabilitation of injured wildlife.
3) To own, operate, support and/or manage a Natural History Museum and/or interpretive center in the region.
4) To work with conservation organizations and individuals working on issues of· interest to Club members including, wildlife and plant diversity, access improvement to rivers, woodlands and meadows, and habitat management.
