At Audubon, conservation is more than protecting birds and habitats. It's also about inspiring and empowering the next generation of conservationists who will care for our communities, lead environmental efforts, and connect people with the natural world.
The Grange Insurance Audubon Center has a rich history partnering with AmeriCorps members to provide meaningful, hands-on experiences for emerging conservation leaders.
Through environmental education, habitat restoration, community engagement, and bird conservation projects, AmeriCorps members gain valuable skills while helping Audubon fulfill its mission to protect birds and the places they need.
This year, we are celebrating the contributions of outgoing member, Cierra Clark, and welcome our incoming member Hattie Benedetti, who will be joining our team in September.
As Cierra wraps up her service term at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center, she wanted to reflect on how much she has grown in one year – not only in knowledge, but also in her confidence and interpersonal skills.
Through the Grange’s partnership with AmeriCorps, Cierra had the opportunity to help educate more than 500 students, made connections with important environmental organizations and passionate individuals, improved landscapes through native plantings and invasive species removal projects, and connected hundreds of adults through our art, music, and nature-related programs.
The experience also expanded her own connection to birds and conservation.
When she first started, her bird knowledge was minimal, but being able to work at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center allowed Cierra to see birds she didn’t know existed – while also getting to learn their history and special quirks!
One of her most memorable experiences was participating in spring migration monitoring efforts with Lights Out Columbus.
“I even braved the early mornings downtown to search for bird strikes and rescue any injured birds during the spring migration season with Lights Out Columbus,” shared Cierra.
Beyond conservation knowledge, Cierra developed confidence, leadership skills, and experience engaging diverse audiences, all of which will help shape her future career and conservation journey.
“I am so thankful for this experience and to all of my coworkers and Grange Insurance Audubon volunteers that made this a memorable year.” Cierra said. “My hope is to take these gained skills and knowledge on to my next adventure and to continue making a positive impact on the world!”
We are grateful for Cierra’s service and for the impact she has made on the Grange Insurance Audubon Center and Columbus Community.
We are excited to welcome Hattie Benedetti as our incoming AmeriCorps member. A Columbus native, Hattie is eager to contribute to conservation and environmental education efforts in her hometown while continuing her own growth as a conservation professional.
She is most looking forward to sharing Audubon's mission with visitors and inspiring others to form connections with nature and birds. In her free time, Hattie enjoys birdwatching, taking nature walks, photography, finding new places to dance in Columbus, and all things crafting.
Welcome Hattie, we are fortunate to have you and your passions joining our team!
Programs like AmeriCorps play an important role in developing future environmental leaders. By providing hands-on experience, professional development, and opportunities to serve their communities, these programs help build a stronger and more inclusive conservation movement.
At the Grange Insurance Audubon Center, AmeriCorps members do more than support our work. They become part of a growing network of passionate individuals helping ensure a future where people and birds thrive together.
We are proud to celebrate Cierra's accomplishments and look forward to seeing the impact Hattie will make in the year ahead.
Welcome, Hattie, and thank you, Cierra, for helping inspire the next generation of conservationists.
