A Place Called Aullwood
Over the Back Fence Magazine | Fall 2006
Magazine cover by Dexter Wolfe
"Look deep, deep into nature, and then you will understand everything
better." ~ Albert Einstein ~
Marie Aull lived her dream to preserve and share nature with everyone.
She created a sanctuary for future generations to experience the
joys of natures and its hidden wonders. This past year alone that
dream managed to enrich the lives of some 95,000 people long after
her death in 2002 at the age of 105.
"Aullwood was once a working farm and Marie Aull was the founder
back in 1957; she loved nature," explains Charity Krueger, Executive
Director of Aullwood. "She had a love for children; even though
she never had any. She started the first nature center in the mid-west.
After a few years another farm time up for sale on the edge of the sanctuary
so she purchased chat farm and created the first children's farm;
today we are known as the Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm."
Upon her husband John's death, Marie Aull donated the majority of her property
to the National Audubon Society. Her legacy continues to enrich literally thousands
of visitors each year.
 The National Audubon Society is among one of the largest conservation organizations
in the world. Aullwood, located fifteen miles northwest of downtown Dayton,
is one of the founding members of the Audubon Network Centers that help preserve
woodlands and sanctuaries in the United States. It was Marie's long-range vision
for others to continue to enjoy what her and her husband once loved, the nature
of the land.
"We believe that people change people," smiles Krueger
watching vibrant children bounding off parked buses in large numbers
in the early morning hours. Instantly they are hooked into learning
with little effort as they are greeted with costumed characters and
live music. When children arrive they are broken into small groups
of 8 to 10 children per group. "It is our belief that adventures
should take place outside, hands on, with a caring adult guiding them.
At Aullwood we have fifteen fulltime staff
members and 35 part-time staff. Nearly 800 volunteers contribute
their time here."
"Aullwood is unique in that we combine nature education and
farm education on the same 350 acre sanctuary," states Krueger.
This past school year some 20,000 children visited from 180 different
schools representing 33 different school systems from 14 different
counties. That's a big program, but there is a limit to the number
of children you can have on site and many schools are being restricted
on school  trips due to costs of bussing. To help solve these problems,
Aullwood developed an outreach program called Aullwood R.E.A.C.H.E.S
(Real Experiences Arouse Curiosity, Helping Everyone Succeed). An
outreach naturalist provides hands on programs in the schools or
creates weeklong residencies that integrate music, art, science, natural
history or farming.
Children and adults alike gather in large numbers each
fall for the sweet aroma of apple butter simmering over open
fires. "The last weekend of September is a delight. We
focus on the fall harvest, apple butter and cider, apple pies
in Dutch ovens and old fashion games," relays Ardith Hamilton,
Development and Marketing Coordinator. "Almost every weekend
in the fall we have something for everyone. It is the best
time to explore Ohio and Aullwood.. But, we're also
open all year around to the public. We have a centerfor Life Long
Learning where people can take classes in the evening, and we
rent the building out for events. We are pretty much a 24-7
organization."
Some major fall activities include Apple Fest, Quilt Auction, Autumn Gala and
the favorite among children is the Enchanted Forest, which lasts about three
days. "We have been holding the Enchanted Forest for about 18 years.
It began as an alternative to celebrating Halloween, because so many Halloween
themes are gory and scary; we didn't want that. It has been a success, at times
we may have 1,000 people out per evening," says Ardith. With a walk along
one of the numerous woodland trails, children are lead to various spots: a prairie,
pond and bridges where costumed instructors define the nature of woodland creatures.
Aullwood is a working farm, housing livestock and even miniature horses. Children
gather eggs, learn about herbs and get to see the animals up close. Aullwood
is not just a bird sanctuary, but a living exhibit dedicated to learning about
nature.
Armed with puppets, a guitar and lyrical songs, Chris Rowlands, a naturalist
teacher, conveys terms and messages to the young and old about bugs and animals.
Children participate by shouting out phrases or singing along. He is a leader
of the outreach program that provides entertaining educational assemblies for
elementary students in area schools. "When I see the kids' faces light
up; that's when you know they get it," Chris grins broadly, "you know
they have learned something. Teaching nature at this young age effects how they
will grow to relate to the world. When kids learn to recycle they get the importance
of nature."
Recycling is a major component of Aullwood's philosophy; evident from the moment
you enter their unique carved wooden doors. "This is a very green building;
we do a lot of recycling. The floor is bamboo, a renewable resource; the reception
desk counter is part of a tree that was removed for building. We don't throw
anything away here—we try to reuse it," Ardith says. Even the tables in
the Nature Store are made from crushed wheat chaff.
"We are here to inspire, teach and involve the young and old to take positive
action to protect their earth," says Charity Krueger. And at Aullwood the
inspiration comes with a wonderful experience, thanks to a special woman's love
of nature.
Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm is located at 1000 Aullwood Rd., Dayton,
Ohio 45414. Open Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.; Sun. 1—5 p.m. Closed most
school holidays. For special events and admission fees; call 937-890-7360
or visit their website http://aullwood.center.audubon.org
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