by Lisa Schenker

Another year of Band with Nature is in the books! We had a week of perfect October weather and enjoyed hosting every second grader in Columbia Public Schools—close to 1400 children—at the Columbia Audubon Nature Sanctuary. Students were bused to CANS where they picnicked, hiked, and learned about raptors, bird-banding, and more. They got to dissect owl pellets, use keys to figure out how to identify birds, and of course, enjoy the wonders and beauty of being in nature.

There were SO many folks who pitched in to make this year a success. We are grateful to the CPS Science Department, led by Ragan Webb and Andrew Kinslow, for all their amazing instruction and support. Lizette Somers provided magic with the bird stars from Raptor Rehabilitation. We thank our wonderful and intrepid volunteers who helped run owl pellet stations, guide teachers, distribute souvenirs, and more:  Val Bader, Lori and Kris Hagglund, Jude Evans, Joan Jouriles, Jean Neeley, John Besser, Nancy Bedan, David Diamond, Judy Lincoln, Ellen McQuie, Sheri Stewart, Louise Flenner, Brittany Null, Charlie Alexander, and Betsy Garrett.

Lynn Frey bundled all the bookmark souvenirs for easy distribution to teachers. David Schenker collected and disposed of lunch trash every day. Pam Spencer took charge of ordering and picking up lunches for all-day volunteers, helped with trail signage, and kept us organized. Carol Virkler provided a beautiful photograph of a Carolina Wren for our bookmarks, was an all-day site manager, helped with trail signage, and pitched in wherever and whenever needed. Finally, we thank Bill Mees for his continued leadership and institutional knowledge.archive – 2026-11-01T155031.989