July/Summer 2025 Newsletter
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Grange Insurance Audubon Center
July/Summer 2025
Leigh Ann Miller
LEIGH ANN MILLER NAMED OHIO CENTERS DIRECTOR FOR AUDUBON
The National Audubon Society is pleased to announce Leigh Ann Miller as the new Ohio Centers Director, a strategic leadership role overseeing Audubon’s two Ohio based Centers: Grange Insurance Audubon Center (GIAC) in Columbus and Aullwood Audubon in Dayton.

Leigh Ann previously served as GIAC’s Center Director and most recently as Interim Director of Aullwood, where she aligned staff, programs, and operations at both centers to create exciting opportunities for collective impact.
                                             
“Leigh Ann does an exceptional job unifying staff, programs, and day-to-day operations between GIAC and Aullwood creating exciting opportunities for collective impact,” said Michelle Parker, VP and Executive Director of Audubon Great Lakes. “Her collaborative leadership will guide this new chapter for Audubon’s work in Ohio. I look forward to seeing how Leigh Ann helps both centers flourish as dynamic conservation and community anchors.”

Audubon Centers serve as vital conservation hubs—connecting people with nature, providing hands-on environmental education, and inspiring action to protect birds and the places they need. The Grange Insurance Audubon Center is a vibrant gateway to urban conservation in the heart of Columbus, while Aullwood Audubon provides essential connections to agricultural landscapes and environmental learning in Dayton. Together, these centers reflect Ohio’s ecological and cultural diversity.

“I am honored to take on this expanded role and continue the incredible work happening at both centers, expanding Audubon’s mission to protect birds and the places they need across the state,” said Leigh Ann Miller, Ohio Centers Director. “Audubon Centers are more than properties—they are bridges between communities and the natural world. I look forward to deepening our impact across Ohio through inclusive programs, meaningful partnerships, and conservation action.”

White-breasted Nuthatch
CLIMATE WATCH ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Taking Action For Birds

Audubon’s Climate Watch is a community science program that explores how North American birds are responding to climate change.  Since 2016, volunteers have collected data to help researchers understand species range shifts. The program focuses on specific target birds during winter and summer seasons. 

In Columbus, surveys frequently include the White-breasted Nuthatch-a species whose climate suitability is declining locally.

Read about a local participant, Christine Castano’s, participation in Climate Watch at link below.
Photo credit: Kenneth Heiar/Audubon Photography Awards.
Summer Music in Nature Concert Series
SUMMER MUSIC IN NATURE CONCERT SERIES

Friday, July 11 and Saturday, August 16
7:00pm-9:00pm

Join us for outdoor concerts blending nature and music on Friday July 11, and Saturday August 16 from 7pm to 9pm. This Art at Audubon event is suitable for families and people of all ages encouraging a connection between the arts, nature and community. All proceeds benefit the Worthington Chamber Orchestra.

Friday, July 11 and Saturday, August 16, 7:00-9:00PM
  • Featuring live orchestra performances and family-friendly activities
  • Food trucks on site and $5 off coupon with each paid ticket
  • Bring your own blankets or chairs (limited indoor seating if it rains)
  • Tickets: $30 (non-members), $20(members), Free for kids under 12
ART AT AUDUBON AND OTHER PROGRAMMING
Put A Bird On It Art Exhibition
NOW ON DISPLAY
PUT A BIRD ON IT
LELA LINT
June 26-Aug. 3

Imagine a vibrant canvas where an acrylic paint pour creates a mesmerizing backdrop of swirling colors. Amidst this colorful chaos, a hand painted bird stands out with delicate precision. The combination of the free-flowing acrylic pour and the detailed hand painted bird creates a striking balance between spontaneity and control, making the painting both dynamic and harmonious.

Explore over 50 original acrylic paintings by Lela Lint. More on this exhibit and the artist
Painting Workshops
RELAX. PAINT. REFLECT WITH MAH LEAH COCHRAN
JULY PAINTING SESSION
AFTER THE BIRD WALK!

July 19, 11:45am-12:45pm

Designed for all skill levels, these sessions will focus on observing and capturing elements of the natural world such as flowers, leaves, landscapes, and wildlife. Participants will leave with a completed painting and a deeper appreciation for nature's artistry.
 Register Here for the Workshops
5th Annual Plein Air Painting Competition
5TH ANNUAL PLEIN AIR PAINTING COMPETITION AND EXHIBITION
Painting on site: August 1& 2
Exhibition Dates: August 7-September 21


All painters Welcome! Professionals, amateurs, beginners and those who would like to try painting/creating outdoors for the first time. All media accepted and encouraged. Paint at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center and surrounding Scioto Audubon Metro Park Now Accepting Entries
Cierra Jackson
WELCOME RESIDENT ARTIST CIERRA JACKSON
July 11-August 31
In Studio Friday-Sunday
12pm-4pm


Join Cierra during her in studio days/times for live painting, DIY and community comic book creation, and discover nature’s healing herbs and build-a-tea bar.

Sign up now for The Blooming Self Workshop on Saturday, August 16, 5pm-7pm.  More information and registration link below. Register here for the Blooming Self Workshop
Ohio Young Birders Club
OHIO YOUNG BIRDERS CLUB SUMMER OUTINGS
ATTENTION YOUTH AGES 12-18
JOIN THE CENTRAL OHIO CHAPTER!


Join the Ohio Young Birders Club and sign up for the next two outings. You must be a member to participate.

July 26, 7am-10am-Glacier Ridge Metro Park

August 10, 7pm-Sunset Bird Walk at Sharon Woods Metro Park
 Become a Member Here
Summer Season Beginner Bird Walks
SUMMER SEASON BEGINNER BIRDING WALKS
EVERY OTHER SATURDAY
JULY 5-AUGUST 16
10am-11:30am


Curious about birding? Join our educators or Columbus Audubon volunteers for a relaxed guided walk around Scioto Audubon Metro Park.  All levels welcome!

Space is limited – pre-registration required.
For more information, contact Fiona McCarthy, Stewardship Engagement Coordinator, at fiona.mccarthy@audubon.org!
  Register here for a Beginner Bird Walk
Dragonfly Image
DRAGONFLY WALK
When: Saturday, July 12, 10:30 am—Noon

Where: Scioto Audubon Metro Park, meet at the entrance to the Grange Insurance Audubon Center

Contact: 614-371-5904
Debra.h.marsh@gmail.com


 More Information Here
Photo by Debra Marsh
Columbus Audubon Upcoming Speaker Series
JOIN US FOR THE COLUMBUS AUDUBON 2025-26 SPEAKER SERIES!
Free Monthly Programs in partnership with and located at Grange Insurance Audubon Center. These events include a distinguished featured speaker, conservation spotlight, bird quiz, door prizes, refreshments, and more!

September-November Schedule
  • September 23, 2025: Kenn and Kim Kaufman
  • October 28, 2025: Holly Merker 
  • November 18, 2025: Bran Imhoff
 Tickets Available Here

THE GRANGE INSURANCE AUDUBON CENTER IS A SELF-SUPPORTED 501-(3C) REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Please support our mission to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and Earth’s biological diversity.

Our ability to continue offering FREE programming, activities and events depends on you.  

Interested in becoming a local Audubon member?  CLICK HERE
PLEASE DONATE TODAY
SPRING/SUMMER HOURS: MAY 27-OCTOBER 31, 2025
Tuesday-Friday: 10AM-5PM
Saturday: 10AM-5PM
Sunday: 12PM-5PM
Monday: CLOSED

*On weekends and some Fridays the center may close at 3PM to accommodate facility rentals, please call ahead to ensure we will still be open from 3PM-5PM. Check website for special Monday Holiday hours when Center is OPEN.
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Grange Insurance Audubon Center
505 W. Whittier Street, Columbus, OH 43215 USA
614-545-5475 | grange.audubon.org

© 2025 National Audubon Society, Inc.

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