SHARON, Conn. – The Sharon Audubon Center announced today the forthcoming retirement of its esteemed Director, Eileen Fielding, effective July 2. Fielding’s departure marks the culmination of a remarkable tenure that commenced in 2009, during which she transitioned from a dedicated volunteer to a pivotal leader, steering the center through a period of significant growth and laying robust groundwork for its future conservation impact. Her leadership, spanning more than eight years as Director, has cemented the Sharon Audubon Center’s role as a regional pillar for environmental education and wildlife protection.
Fielding’s Legacy: A Decade of Growth and Impact
Eileen Fielding’s journey with the Sharon Audubon Center is a testament to deep commitment and evolving leadership. Her involvement began over 15 years ago as an animal care program volunteer, a role that provided her with firsthand insight into the center’s operations and its critical mission. This grassroots experience informed her later service on the center’s Advisory Board, where she contributed to strategic planning and community engagement. In late 2015, Fielding ascended to the Director role, a position she has held with distinction, guiding the center through a period characterized by strategic expansion, heightened community involvement, and a sharpened focus on conservation education.
Under her astute guidance, the Sharon Audubon Center has not only strengthened its existing programs but also initiated new ventures designed to broaden its reach and deepen its impact. Fielding’s tenure saw a significant increase in the center’s educational outreach, with reports indicating a 30% rise in student participation across its various programs, from elementary school field trips to advanced naturalist workshops. These programs, often focusing on local ecosystems and migratory bird patterns, have educated thousands of individuals on the importance of biodiversity and habitat preservation. The center, spanning over 1,100 acres of diverse habitats, including forests, fields, and wetlands, serves as a living laboratory, and Fielding ensured these resources were utilized to their fullest potential for public engagement and scientific study.
Furthermore, Fielding championed efforts to enhance the center’s connection with the broader community, fostering partnerships with local schools, libraries, and environmental organizations. This collaborative approach led to the establishment of several successful community science initiatives, such as annual bird counts and amphibian monitoring programs, which engaged hundreds of citizen scientists and contributed valuable data to regional conservation efforts. Her emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity ensured that conservation education was available to people of all ages and backgrounds, reinforcing the center’s role as a welcoming hub for environmental stewardship.
The Blueprint for the Future: Capital Project Momentum
Perhaps one of Fielding’s most significant achievements has been her relentless advocacy and strategic planning for a new visitor center and bird care clinic. This ambitious capital project, currently in its advanced stages of design and fundraising, is poised to revolutionize the center’s capacity to serve both wildlife and the public. The proposed state-of-the-art facility is envisioned to feature expanded rehabilitation spaces for injured and orphaned birds, equipped with modern diagnostic tools and specialized aviaries designed for optimal recovery. This will allow the center to increase its annual intake capacity for avian patients, which currently averages around 200-300 birds, by an estimated 50%, addressing a critical need in the region for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
Beyond its wildlife care functions, the new visitor center component is designed to be a dynamic gateway to conservation. Plans include interactive exhibits that immerse visitors in the natural world of the Litchfield Hills, accessible educational classrooms for year-round programming, and improved visitor amenities. The refined designs emphasize sustainable architecture and efficient use of space and resources, aligning with Audubon’s core values. The fundraising campaign for this project has garnered substantial momentum under Fielding’s leadership, with over 60% of its initial $5 million goal reportedly secured through a combination of major donor contributions, foundation grants, and community appeals. This significant progress positions the Sharon Audubon Center for its next phase as a regional hub for conservation, education, and community connection, creating a lasting legacy for Fielding’s tenure.
Reflections and Gratitude: Fielding’s Departure
Eileen Fielding’s decision to retire was made with careful consideration, aiming to ensure a seamless transition for the center at a pivotal moment in its development. “It’s difficult to step away from a place that means so much to me,” said Fielding, reflecting on her years of dedication. “But I’ve been looking for the right moment to ensure a smooth transition, and that moment has arrived. We’ve built real momentum for the new visitor center and clinic, and we’re expanding community programs that invite more people into conservation. The foundation is in place for the next leader to carry this work forward.” Her words underscore a deep-seated commitment not just to the center, but to the continuity of its vital mission.
The announcement prompted an outpouring of appreciation from within the National Audubon Society and the local community. Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, Senior Vice President for Centers and Flyways at the National Audubon Society, remarked, "Eileen Fielding has been an exemplary leader, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the Sharon Audubon Center and its mission. Her vision for the new visitor center and bird clinic is a testament to her forward-thinking approach, and she leaves the center incredibly well-positioned for its next chapter. We extend our deepest gratitude for her profound contributions." Similarly, Mr. Arthur Hayes, Chair of the Sharon Audubon Center Advisory Board, commented, "Eileen’s passion for conservation and her ability to inspire others have been truly transformative. She has not only overseen significant growth but has also cultivated a vibrant, engaged community around the center. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape our work for years to come."
As she prepares for retirement, Fielding expressed profound gratitude for the opportunities she has had. “It has been an honor to be part of this community and to support the National Audubon Society’s mission to protect birds and the places they need,” she stated. “I look forward to finding new ways to stay connected to this work and the people who make it so meaningful.” Her sentiment reflects a lifelong dedication to environmental stewardship, which she intends to continue in new capacities.
Ensuring Continuity: Interim Leadership and Succession Search
To ensure stability and continued progress during this critical transition, Audubon will immediately launch a comprehensive national search for the center’s next Director. This process is expected to be thorough, seeking a candidate who possesses a blend of strong leadership, fundraising acumen, conservation expertise, and community engagement skills to build upon Fielding’s significant achievements.
In the interim, leadership will be provided by Kathryn D’Amico, Audubon’s senior director for centers in Connecticut and New York. D’Amico, an experienced leader within the Audubon network, will provide crucial oversight, ensuring the continuity of daily operations, ongoing programs, and the momentum of the capital project. Her appointment guarantees that the center’s mission-critical work, from wildlife rehabilitation to educational outreach and habitat management, will proceed without interruption. D’Amico’s familiarity with the regional conservation landscape and Audubon’s strategic priorities will be invaluable during this period of transition, maintaining the center’s trajectory towards its ambitious future goals.
The Sharon Audubon Center: A Regional Conservation Beacon
The Sharon Audubon Center, established in 1961, holds a significant place within the National Audubon Society’s expansive network of over 40 nature centers across the United States. Located in the picturesque Litchfield Hills of northwestern Connecticut, it serves as a critical nexus for conservation in a region known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. The center’s mission is multifaceted: to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity; to provide environmental education that fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature; and to engage the community in meaningful conservation action.
Over its more than six-decade history, the center has evolved from a local bird sanctuary into a comprehensive environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation facility. Its diverse landscape supports a wide array of species, including several of conservation concern, such as various migratory songbirds, raptors, and amphibians. The center’s strategic location along critical migratory bird pathways makes its research and habitat management efforts particularly vital for regional and national bird populations. Annually, the center welcomes tens of thousands of visitors, including families, students, and researchers, all seeking to connect with nature and learn about conservation. Its programs range from guided nature walks and bird banding demonstrations to summer camps and professional development workshops for educators, demonstrating its broad impact on public awareness and scientific understanding.
The National Audubon Society, with its 1.5 million members and a history stretching back to 1905, operates on a national scale, advocating for bird conservation through science, education, and policy. The Sharon Audubon Center, like its sister centers, plays a crucial role in delivering this mission at a local level, translating national conservation goals into tangible, on-the-ground action. The network of centers collectively reaches millions of people each year, serving as vital community resources for environmental learning and stewardship, a role that Fielding significantly enhanced during her directorship in Sharon.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
Eileen Fielding’s retirement marks both an end and a new beginning for the Sharon Audubon Center. The incoming director will inherit a center positioned for an exciting, transformative new chapter, buoyed by the momentum of the capital project and a strong community foundation. However, the transition also presents inherent challenges. Sustaining the capital campaign’s fundraising pace will be paramount, requiring a leader with proven development skills and a compelling vision to articulate the project’s long-term benefits.
Furthermore, the evolving landscape of conservation presents ongoing imperatives. Climate change continues to impact bird populations and habitats, necessitating adaptive strategies and innovative research. Engaging new generations in conservation, fostering diversity and inclusion in environmental initiatives, and navigating complex land-use issues will remain central to the center’s mission. The next director will need to build upon Fielding’s legacy of community engagement, expanding outreach to diverse audiences and forging new partnerships to address these contemporary challenges.
The Sharon Audubon Center stands as a testament to the power of dedicated leadership and community support in advancing environmental conservation. As it embarks on this leadership transition, the center remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting birds and the places they need, educating the public, and inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards, ensuring its vital work continues for decades to come.
