Winnebago Audubon Education Fund

The Winnebago Audubon Education Fund at the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation was established in November 2022, thanks to the generous memorials our chapter received in memory of Carla Hansen who was a long-time active board member who passed away unexpectedly in March 2021. In the spirit of her giving attitude our chapter matched the memorial donations that we received.

The purpose of the fund is to support environmental, science-based programs such as K-12 field trips and in-classroom presentations. Scholarships and research projects, including university level, will also be considered.

Donations to the fund may be made on-line at the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation or through our Chapter website or via mail. Please contact us with any questions.

We encourage you to share this grant opportunity with the local community.

2024 Grant Reports

Casa Esther: Gather in the Garden Grant

     2024 was our second year hosting Gather in the Garden in collaboration with the Omro Public Library, the UW Extension’s FoodWIse Program, and Horticulture Outreach. We were pleased to host both kids who participate in the Omro Boys and Girls Club as well as children and their families from the community at large. This year we averaged 15 youth participants per program. This is a significant growth in participation from last year. The librarian does an excellent job selecting books and a craft that match the theme of the day. The kids get a chance to weed, water and harvest, knowing that most of the food we grow goes directly to our local food pantries. They also get to sample fresh produce. One week over 75% of the kids present reported that they tried something they had never eaten before. This year we had a new horticulturist who brought great enthusiasm and knowledge to the program. We look forward to planning our plantings with his guidance over the winter! We are very grateful for your support of our program!

Sara Kosmicki, Casa Esther, Executive Director

School District of Omro: Middle School Outdoor Environmental Education Grant

     Students at Omro Middle School had the wonderful opportunity to engage in two days of outdoor educational activities at Camp Lucerne in Neshkoro, made possible by a grant from the Winnebago Audubon Society. They took part in various activities, including tent construction, archery, canoeing, a low ropes course, fishing, campfire cooking, and environmental studies, among others. Many students expressed that they had never tried some of these activities before. In a survey, students indicated that they enjoyed being outdoors and exploring nature, an experience they don't often have. Additionally, they shared about the new friendships formed, the team-building skills acquired, and the strengthened relationships with their teachers. The two days of outdoor learning were a success!

Carrie Sabel, Omro Middle School, School Counselor