(WNY News Now) – The Audubon Community Nature Center is seeking volunteers to bring its popular Enchanted Forest to life, providing a magical, non-scary experience for children and adults on October 4 and 5.

 Each year, dozens of volunteers share their time and talents so hundreds of children and adults can experience Audubon Community Nature Center’s (ACNC) magical, non-scary Enchanted Forest.

Some volunteers act as guides through a luminary-lit Enchanted Trail where children and adults meet animals that speak human language and communicate with visitors. Others are greeters or actors’ assistants or serve popcorn and cider to guests around the campfire that follows, while still others monitor crafts. And clean-up helpers are always needed. 

Audubon Volunteer Coordinator Sharon Tefft is looking for volunteers for Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5. Contact her at STefft@AudubonCNC.org or (716) 569-2345 if you can help. 

Audubon also welcomes sponsors of Enchanted Forest. If your organization or business would appreciate some publicity while supporting a wonderful community activity, contact Executive Director Leigh Rovegno at LRovegno@AudubonCNC.or or (716) 569-2345 to learn more.

Reservations for Enchanted Forest can be made by calling (716) 569-2345 during business hours or clicking through “Programs and Events” at AudubonCNC.org. 

Additional support for Audubon Community Nature Center is provided by 2024 Community Partners that include Bruce and Juline Battler, Carnahan-Jackson Foundation, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Donna and Mark Hampton, Holmberg Foundation, Hultquist Foundation, Jessie Smith Darrah Fund, The Lenna Foundation, The Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation, Whirley-DrinkWorks!, Hal and Mary Conarro, Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant, Kravitz Tree Service, Doug and Lamae McCullor, National Fuel Gas Company, Weinberg Financial Group, and Curt and Susie Westrom.

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, N.Y., and Warren, Pa. You can visit the nearly 600-acre nature preserve, check in on the live birds of prey, enjoy the native tree arboretum and natural play space, and hike over five miles of trails dawn until dusk daily for free. 

The three-story Nature Center building houses interactive displays, a collection of live animals including the Hellbender exhibit, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop. Visitors are welcome Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and Sundays, 1–4:30 p.m. Nature Center members and SNAP/EBT cardholders have free building admission daily. Building admission is also free every Sunday for non-Nature Center members.  

To learn more about Audubon and its many programs, call (716) 569-2345, find Audubon Community Nature Center on Facebook, or visit AudubonCNC.org.