Against a backdrop of the setting sun over the 840-acre Charles Wheeler Wildlife Management Area, the Connecticut Audubon Society’s Coastal Center in Milford on April 13 hosted its annual Return of the Osprey event.
The sold-out gathering is the largest yearly fundraising event at the center. It supports the center’s work to promote awareness and preservation of Long Island Sound’s ecosystem and the conservation and environmental education programs and activities offered throughout the year.
After a warm welcome from Connecticut Audubon’s Southwest Regional Director Shari Greenblatt, key community contributors to the center’s efforts were recognized. Connecticut Audubon Executive Director Patrick Comins presented the Volunteer Appreciation Award to Carol Dunn, who has been actively involved with the organization for 22 years. Dunn serves on the Milford Regional Board, is a docent, and since 1994 has been monitoring more than 20 osprey nests for Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. She is also responsible for the installation and monitoring of monofilament collection bins, including one at the center.
“Carol is one of the biggest supporters and protectors of osprey, and a truly dedicated citizen scientist,” Comins said.
The Corporate Recognition Award was presented to Harry Garafalo of Wakefern Food Corp./Shoprite/Garafalo Markets. Wakefern/Shoprite and Garafalo have been supportive of the center and the Return of the Osprey event for many years.
“In addition to ShopRite’s sponsorship of this event, we are grateful to their employees who come every year for a volunteer workday at the center,” said Comins. “Their commitment to sustainability makes them valuable environmental partners in this community. And their leadership and support inspires many others to share that awareness of, and dedication to, environmental stewardship and conservation.”
Greenblatt also used the occasion to announce the launch of the Adopt-a-Purple Martin Gourd project. For a $50 donation, an individual or family can adopt one of the 70 purple martin gourds at the center. Participation in this initiative helps efforts to increase the population of North America’s largest swallow. Adopting a gourd allows participants to monitor nesting activity, receive a weekly status report and attend two purple martin education sessions. Anyone interested in learning more about the project can contact the center at 203-878-7440.
Find more information about the Connecticut Audubon Society’s Coastal Center at ctaudubon.org/coastal-center-home/.
Harry Garafalo, right, of Wakefern Corp./Shoprite/Garafalo Markets, accepted the Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point’s Corporate Recognition Award April 13 for commitment to, and support of local conservation efforts at the center’s Return of the Osprey event. Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center.