The Grange Insurance Audubon Center - we would not be where we are today without you! We are grateful for the support that has been given and even in challenging times, providing science education, conservation programs and recreation opportunities is important to the quality of life for our community - both now and in the future.
It is our pleasure to share with you our many accomplishments during the past couple years at GIAC:

•    Urban Revitalization: With our partners at Metro Parks and the City of Columbus we were able to convert hardscape to parkland. In 2006 there were approximately 6 acres of useable parkland and now we have 102 acres.  As a result, residents will have access to numerous nature-related and recreational activities.

•   Partner Schools Increased. We have increased our school programming to meet the needs of the community. We have 10 schools in our Conservation Classroom program that come to visit for either 24 half day visits or 12 full day visits throughout the year. We work with the teachers to understand the needs of their students and tailor the program to enhance what is being taught in the classroom as we bring science to life in the field at the Audubon Center.

•    Protecting Habitat for Birds. At the GIAC, we are implementing and updating the conservation plan that was created for the Scioto Audubon Metro Park. Restoration work includes removing invasive plants, such as honeysuckle, and planting native plants. Bird and wildlife populations are being monitored to assess the impact of the habitat changes. Through citizen science projects, bird banding and educational programs, we are taking active steps to protect and improve habitat, while spreading awareness about the amazing natural world around us.

•   Teach people to live more lightly on the earth and inspire stewardship in their everyday lives. Our building and site are wonderful tools to teach people how to implement energy-saving techniques and operate in a more sustainable way. Our project has already won awards such as the AIA Sustainable Design Award, 2009 Excellence in Construction Eagle Awards, and Clean Ohio Fund Impact Award for Best Environmental Stewardship. We received our Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) GOLD certification for the building.

We invite you to continue your support for the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. Your gift to our annual fund enables us to provide education programs to schoolchildren, offer free admission and nature activities for families, maintain our Center and hiking trails, and support our operating needs.

If you are already a member of the Grange Insurance Audubon Center - thank you! While a membership gives you the benefit of unlimited opportunities to experience GIAC, your gift to the annual fund provides unrestricted support for the ongoing needs of the Center.

As you consider year-end giving, we hope you will keep us in mind. Your gift to our annual fund today stays at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center, bringing you the satisfaction of knowing you make a difference as we improve our natural wildlife habitat, educate local schoolchildren, and introduce families to the wonders of nature.

The Grange Insurance Audubon Center is a place where every child - and the child within us all - can discover the joy and mystery of the world in which we live. For many of the students we serve at GIAC, it is the first time they have ever touched a crawfish, jumped a creek, watched birds, or gone on a hike. Thank you for supporting our efforts, and we hope you will visit soon to enjoy a program or event, get involved in a conservation project, bird or hike at this very special place!

Or click here to donate now through our secure online form.