Aullwood's Mission and Operations

Education and responsible management of bird populations and habitats are two primary focuses of Aullwood Audubon's work. They envisage a future in which birds and humans flourish, in which people can participate in conservation efforts, and in which the variety of life and ideas is appreciated.

The long and awful history of racial injustice in our country and the proof that it still exists now must be recognized, understood, rejected, and never allowed under any circumstances.

The FOA Board of Directors knows how institutional racism permeates many activities, attitudes, and policies today.

In the civilized society, there is no room for the domination, belief in superiority, or exploitation of advantages by one individual or group of people over another based on race or the color of one's skin. This applies to other protected classifications, including gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, country of origin, religion, age, physical or mental ability, citizenship status, and veteran status.

History

Marie Aull donated property to the Miami Valley some decades ago, which led to the establishment of the first nature center in the Midwest to be run by the National Audubon Society. The visitors who come to Aullwood today learn, as they tour the Marie S. Aull Education Center, stroll the trails, and experience Aullwood's sustainable farm, why Aull's gift is a model for other nature centers to follow. Each year, more than 110,000 individuals of all ages participate in interesting on-site and outreach events. Aullwood inspires many tourists to engage in environmental activism by fostering familiarity with nature and environmentally responsible agriculture.

In 1957, Marie Aull donated property to the National Audubon Society, including 70 acres. She had proposed the concept of establishing the first nature center in the Midwest to John H. Baker, then serving as President of the National Audubon Society. Marie Aull had a deep affection for both flora and fauna throughout her life. It was her inspiration to establish a natural preserve in which students and educators could learn about various flora, fauna, and ecological principles. Her fondest wish was that these youngsters would be taught by trained naturalists who were familiar with the environment and strongly connected to it. Her goal of establishing the first nature center in the midwestern region of the United States was accomplished when the Aullwood Audubon Center first opened its doors. More than 25,000 kids were given access to free, thematically-led sessions that lasted for an hour and a half. A fantastic read.

The 120-acre Antrim Farm, located near the Aullwood Audubon Center, was sold in 1962. Mrs. Aull decided to buy the property since a nearby construction project threatened to dry up the springs that supplied water to the stream. The stream cuts across the grounds owned by the center and even makes its way into Mrs. Aull's garden. A piece of the property was given to the National Audubon Society by Mrs. Aull as a donation. Mrs. Aull had a vision of a children's farm complete with animals that the children could see, touch, and hear, as well as fields where the children could see the growth of crops. She thought it was essential for people to comprehend the significance of the family farm in the tradition of the United States. This institution functioned separately from the Center and had its dedicated personnel and dedicated funding. It also provided a selection of field tours examining farm life lasting for ninety minutes.

In 1978, the center and the farm were merged into a single enterprise that used the same workforce. It is now known as the Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm at this location. In 1979, the Friends of Aullwood became a legally recognized organization to garner more community and financial support. Based on the terms of an agreement signed on September 23, 1986, between Audubon and Friends of Aullwood, Inc., Friends of Aullwood acquired the primary responsibility for supporting the management of Aullwood Audubon from Audubon. In 1989, the Dayton Foundation received ownership of the 120-acre farm, and Friends of Aullwood assumed management responsibilities for the property.

By entering into a long-term leasing deal with the Dayton International Airport in 1995, Aullwood expanded its sanctuary by an additional 150 acres. This site is now home to Ohio's most extensive tallgrass prairie that has been reestablished. The field was given Paul Knoop Jr.'s name when he retired as an education coordinator. At the present moment, Aullwood will not be leasing the property from the airport any longer.

The new school wing, which cost $4.3 million to construct, was erected in 2000, the same year Marie Aull turned 103. Marie Aull passed away on August 30, 2002, when she was 105 years old.

Due to the completion of the multimillion-dollar Charity A. Krueger Farm Discovery Center in 2012 at Aullwood Farm, the educational farm at Aullwood is now at the forefront of environmentally responsible learning practices.

A selection of highlights from almost a century's worth of Audubon's work

1896 The afternoon teas that Harriet Hemenway and Minna B. Hall arrange to persuade Boston society women to forgo wearing hats with bird feathers. These gatherings lead to the establishment of the Massachusetts Audubon Society as an organization.


In 1900, Frank Chapman offered the idea of doing the first annual Christmas Bird Count in his book Bird-Lore, which was the forerunner of Audubon magazine. This was done as an alternative to the traditional Christmas goose chase. At the request of Audubon members, Congressman John F. Lacey introduced legislation that forbids the unlawful slaughter of birds and animals and the importing of species that are not native to the United States.

1901: the Audubon Model Law, which protects aquatic birds from having their plumes taken, is finally enacted.

1902: The first-ever Audubon game warden will be named Guy Bradley.

Pelican Island in Florida was the location of the first National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt.

1905: National Association of Audubon Societies is a nonprofit organization that is incorporated in the state of New York. William Dutcher was selected to serve as the nation's first President. Poachers in Florida are responsible for the death of Guy Bradley, who was one of the original Audubon game wardens.

The state of New York legislature enacted the Audubon Plumage Law in 1910. This law made it illegal to buy or sell feathers that came from protected bird species. A great place to also visit is SunWatch Indian Village/Archaeological Park.

1913–1918 The United States Congress adopted a historic statute that places all migratory birds under the federal government's protection. After another three years, President Woodrow Wilson re-signs the bill to include a provision for an international treaty between the United States of America and Canada.

The Endangered Species Act, established in 1973 and often regarded as the most stringent wildlife legislation in the United States, protects hundreds of vulnerable and endangered species. Off the coast of Maine, Stephen Kress established the organization Project Puffin.

Becoming a member of the Friends of Aullwood allows you to explore, discover, and save Aullwood.

Visit their website or call (454)14-1129 for further details.