In 1956, Mrs. Marie Aull donated 70 acres of her and her late husband John Aull's farm to NAS, and, four years later, purchased an adjoining 125-acre farm, adding it to the original property to create the Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm. In addition, Mrs. Aull established an endowment to provide for an on-site nature center, which has provided environmental education to four decades of children, families and teachers.

On Saturday, May 31st, in Dayton, Ohio, the Audubon family celebrated Mrs. Aull's 100th birthday. Some 230 friends and other guests attended the party. "If the community ever had its own mother nature, it would be Marie Aull," said Charity Krueger, Executive Director of Aullwood Audubon Center. "This evening is a celebration of her life -- a life dedicated to teaching how to understand, protect and appreciate nature's gifts -- a celebration of the millions of lives ... touched by her generosity. Let us join together to toast Marie, our protector of the environment and our teacher...".

Audubon is also observing the 40th anniversary of the Center's establishment. Special celebration events continued during the month of June with "Aullwood Memories Walks," conducted to acquaint visitors with the property and associated history.

For More Info, Contact: Charity Krueger, Aullwood Audubon Center & Farm; 1000 Aullwood Rd.; Dayton, OH 45414; ph: 513/890-7360; FAX: 937/890-2382; email: ckrueger@audubon.org.