We have been frequent visitors to the Boston Nature Center (BNC) for years. It is an urban sanctuary, located on the grounds of the former Boston State Hospital. We often use it as a testing ground for outdoor gear we review. The BNC offers public programs year-round. Through its Boston Schools Initiative, the BNC provides environmental education programs to local elementary schools weekly.
Over two miles of handicap-accessible trails and boardwalks traverse the meadows and wetlands. Wildlife such as coyotes, pheasants, and many species of migratory birds can often be seen. The sanctuary’s George Robert White Environmental Conservation Center is one of the “greenest” buildings in Boston, teaching environmentally sustainable design by example.
A few weeks ago, we attend a BNC event at our friends Bill and Irfan's home. We had the opportunity to meet Julie Brandlen, Director or the BNC, and many of the other friends of the BNC. The event was to introduce some of the folks in the Back Bay and Boston to this fantastic urban resource. We heard from folks who helped envisioned, designed, and built the center. We also had a chance to chat with many folks active in the Massachusetts Audubon Society as well as the Boston Nature Center. We were surprised to learn from out host Bill Coady, that the Massachusetts Audubon Society (MAS) was not a chapter of, nor have any affiliation with, National Audubon Society(NAS). MAS actually predates the NAS. While National Audubon Society have chapters in many states, they have none in MA. To make things even more confusing, in CT, Audubon has the Audubon society of CT and an independent CT Audubon Society! Regardless, all of them are champions of wildlife, the environment, and the planet...so it's all good :-)
The BNC, like all non-profit organizations, gets its funding from a variety of sources. One way is by hosting their annual SpringFling fundraiser at its Nature Center in Boston. This year's BNC SpringFling fundraiser auction is tomorrow night. This event sold out last year, so if you are interested, we recommend you get your tickets now ($30.00/person, $50.00/couple). To reserve tickets, please call 617-983-8500. The money raised will provide scholarships for education and camp programs for Boston area children and their families.
Many of BNC's programs are made affordable thanks to the generosity of Mass Audubon members and BNC friends. BNC's work with area children is certain to have a positive impact on our society as they educate and motivate the next generation of conservationists. If you are in Boston, we hope you will join us for the opportunity to see firsthand the wonders of this sanctuary in the city. [Permalink] -BNC SpringFling
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