by Lisa Schenker and Lottie Bushmann, Education Committee and President

Band With Nature

 

Hooray for a gorgeous October week and the success of our 2025 Band With Nature program! In partnership with the Columbia Public Schools, CAS provided an amazing field trip at the Columbia Audubon Nature Sanctuary for every second grader in the district. That’s around 1400 children! Students were bussed to the park where they picnicked, hiked, and learned about raptors, bird-banding, and more. They got to use binoculars, dissect owl pellets, and use keys to figure out how to identify birds. Without exception, children, teachers, and parents enjoyed the wonders and beauty of being in nature!

We could not have managed without the assistance of so many people. We are grateful for the CPS Science Department, lead by Ragan Webb and Andrew Kinslow. Lizette Somers provided magic with the birds stars from the Raptor Rehabilitation Program. CAS members and community members stepped up and volunteered their talents and time during sessions: Becky Allen, Ellen McQuie, Lora Lee Hensel, Julie Fisher, Lynn Frey, Sam Phillips, Nancy Bedan, Kathleen Turner, Lori Hagglund, Joan Jouriles, Judy Lincoln, Mike Currier, and Charlie Alexander. Pam Spencer did a tremendous amount of heavy lifting in both planning and on-site—both figuratively and real. But our greatest gratitude goes to Bill Mees who helped out in a myriad of ways. Most importantly, his leadership and vision for Band With Nature over the past decade paved the way for this year’s successful experience.

Thank you all!!!