Our Club was established in 1963 as a Junior High school science club under the direction and mentorship of Robert B. Coyle. Bob retired from teaching in 1988 and the club has continued to evolve into a community resource with more than 250 memberships representing a wide geographical area and diverse natural history interests.
The natural history collection compiled by Bob Coyle and his students bounced around for a few years after his retirement. In 1999 the old Main Street School became available and ABNC was invited to submit a proposal to use the building. Thanks to a lot of support from members, volunteers, community groups, Mass Cultural Council, the Town of Athol voters and administration, the Center is flourishing. Bringing a love of natural history while combining science-based education with a strong influence of the visual arts, the building and grounds have become a regional treasure.
Millers River Environmental Center with the help of many wonderful volunteers certainly made a big difference. We think you will be impressed with all the improvements that have been made. “The Quarry” basement home of the Geology Division has been transformed with new floor coatings and exhibit upgrades. A wonderful mural by Susan Marshal graces the large meeting room wall while the Beaver exhibit has new landscape panels by Sonya Vicarri. Outside the gardens have been updated. Construction on Canal Street found the stone wall rebuilt with the original stone material and the plantings restored (Thanks Athol DPW). Thanks to a Mass Cultural Council Grant, Graphic Artist Krissy Dorn designed and painted 50 stunning full color plant labels which can be found throughout the gardens. The result of all this activity is a wonderful Environmental Center we can all be proud of. We invite everyone to join us at a meeting, an open house, or by appointment to explore the Center and grounds.
Please join or donate. We appreciate any amount! We will continue to maintain the Environmental Center and natural history collection while providing field trips, in-person events, and some interesting online experiences for our members and friends. We believe in DEI, Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion, for all our members and guests. No one is ever denied participation in our events. We will continue to do our best to provide quality programming with the limited resources we have access to.
Thank you for your continued support. Get out and enjoy the natural world, stay healthy and safe!
Sincerely,
David H Small President, Athol Bird and Nature Club