Volunteer Heidi Bender Adds Flair to CT Audubon Center's Displays

The colorful, engaging, sometimes whimsical and always creative displays in the Connecticut Audubon Society's Nature Store are the imaginative creations of Fairfield resident Heidi Bender.  According to Store Manager Jane Guenther, Heidi creates captivating and visually appealing displays to showcase seasonal appropriate birding merchandise.   "She has a great sense of design and puts our displays together with such flair.  She is truly a cherished part of our team," states Guenther.

In a quiet and sometimes behind-the-scenes way, Heidi has donated countless hours volunteering in the Nature Store and beyond the store doors into the Greenhouse and Butterfly Garden.  Her love for nature and its intrinsic beauty is reflective in her work there and in the beautiful container gardens she often creates for the Center's entrance. And, in the months to come, Heidi will work in tandem with the educational staff adding her creative flair to some of the Center's educational display cases.

Heidi comes to the CAS with a background in display and design at the Fairfield Store where she created both window and interior displays.   She's also owned a pet sitting business and just recently enrolled in the Master Gardner Program at UCONN with plans to focus some of the outreach portion of her studies on the Center's foundation plantings.  "My time spent at Audubon is very gratifying and I've met some great people...and animals!  Walking the trails is an added bonus.  Therapy for the soul." states Heidi.

One can't help but be drawn to Heidi's latest display in the Nature Store which features tiny sculptured birds nestled amongst a combination of decorative and functional bird houses. According to Jane Guenther, bird houses should be put up in the last days of winter or very early spring as birds begin to search for a place to make their nest.  "It's not too early to start thinking about choosing a bird house."  states Guenther, "Different types of birds have different requirements so it's important to select a nesting box which meets the specific requirements for a particular species. We're more than happy to help people select the appropriate nest box."

The Nature Store is open from 10:00am – 3:00pm. CAS members save 10 percent on any Nature Store purchase.  All proceeds help to support the CAS educational programs.  For volunteer opportunities, programs and activities, visit the website at www.ctaudubon.org.