Today we are highlighting Catie, who supports our Conservation team. The second photo shows Catie in action monitoring a nest box filled with Black-capped Chickadees! 💚

Catie - Conservation Volunteer 🪺

⭐️How long have you been volunteering with Tracy Aviary?
I’ve been volunteering with the Tracy Aviary since February of 2025.

⭐️How do you support the Conservation department?
I volunteer with the Nest Box Monitoring program as well as the bird banding program.

⭐️What inspired you to volunteer for Tracy Aviary and what is your favorite thing about volunteering?
I began volunteering with the Nest Box Monitoring program in collaboration with the University of Utah as a capstone project for a class. I was really inspired by the program and its ability to give me new perspectives on community based science as a scientist, so I continued the project after the class had ended. I had also rekindled my childhood love for birds and this opportunity allowed me to fuel that desire.

My favorite thing about volunteering is connecting with people as well as connecting with the natural environment in urban spaces. I believe that all people should have the right and ability to enjoy nature especially in settings where that right is disproportionately accessible. I have found that birding is an incredible link to open that window up for many people.

⭐️What is your favorite spot at the Nature Center at Pia Okwai?
My favorite spot at Pia Okwai is the grove of Fremont cottonwood trees facing the river.

⭐️What would you say to others who are thinking about volunteering but are undecided?
Volunteer work is highly rewarding and grants experiences you will cherish forever. There are so many great projects in the Tracy Aviary that you can contribute to no matter your experience with science, birds, or volunteer work. It is a great joy knowing that we all make a difference in conservation work. (Plus you get to spend lots of time in a gorgeous place).
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Interested in becoming a volunteer? Click the link in our bio and select Volunteer Opportunities and learn about all the ways you can get involved! ✨

With National Volunteer Week underway, we can`t help but talk about our volunteers with pride! Today we are highlighting Eddie, who supports our Horticulture team. We couldn`t maintain our 12 acre campus without his help! 💚

Eddie - Horticulture Volunteer 🌿

⭐️How long have you been volunteering with Tracy Aviary?
4 months

⭐️How do you support the Horticulture department?
I do whatever they need me to do! At the Nature Center, recently that has been weeding unwanted species, mulching certain areas to keep weeds from growing, and filling up containers with soil so community members can maintain their own small garden.

⭐️What inspired you to volunteer for Tracy Aviary and what is your favorite thing about volunteering?
I recently moved to Salt Lake City and had grown up in a rural area where I had grown accustomed to spending my weekends outside doing yard work of some sort. I missed the time being spent outside and the connection to nature that it brings.

My favorite thing about volunteering is the time spent outside and the visible impact resulting from my labor. The Nature Center is relatively new and requires a lot of work to set it up for the present and future generations. I think it`s cool to be a part of that.

⭐️What is your favorite spot at the Nature Center at Pia Okwai?
Not one in particular. It`s nice being able to admire the Jordan River as you walk through the Nature Center.

⭐️What would you say to others who are thinking about volunteering but are undecided?
Just go for it! The people here are nice and can find something that suits your abilities. Volunteering here is low-risk, low-time commitment, but high reward.

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Interested in becoming a volunteer? Click the link in our bio and select Volunteer Opportunities and learn about all the ways you can get involved! ✨