They are educators, engineers, gardeners, musicians, medical professionals, journalists, historians, physicists, geologists, pastors, and avid birders. Many are retired, but not all. Their years of service span from three weeks to more seasoned veterans of fifteen + years. All share a love of the natural world and are invested in doing good for their community. They are the volunteers of our Audubon Southwest Centers, and we could not manage without them.
Our volunteers help us fulfill our mission in many ways. The Master Gardeners Santa Fe Extension have been volunteering at the Center for 20 years, planting and maintaining native wildflower gardens to attract pollinators and birds. Our visitor center volunteers will greet you with knowledge and enthusiasm.
Center docents roam the grounds every morning, binoculars in hand, to help visitors identify flora and fauna and answer questions. Our maintenance crew saves us much needed funding by lending their brains and brawn to assist in keeping our infrastructure upright. Historic property docents lead tours of Randall Davey’s home and studio every Friday, and expert birders lead our free bird walks every Saturday morning.
The staff at Audubon Southwest would like to thank our volunteers for their work and dedication. We couldn’t do what we do without you!
Would you like to volunteer at the Randall Davey Audubon Center? We have openings for:
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community gardeners
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readers and crafters for nature story time—a new early childhood program
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seed librarians
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phenology trail monitors
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forest monitors
Send an email to newmexico@audubon.org for more information.
Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center
At the Rio Salado Audubon Center, we teach the community about birds, their habitats, and environmental stewardship. From bird walks to school programs and community festivals, our work is only possible because of our dedicated volunteers.
Our volunteers are the ones that gather early in the mornings to pull invasive species so our native plants can grow. They are the ones picking up garbage, gardening, and making sure this is a desirable habitat for all the native wildlife. They are the ones helping us make a difference. Every year, we have hundreds of volunteers who stop by and help us with amazing projects. Among them, Blake Kammann and Diana Luscher. Without their dedication, we couldn’t accomplish everything we do.
Blake has been volunteering with us since 2022 and serves as our primary bird guide for the Saturday Morning Bird Walks. His favorite bird is the Green Heron, and he never fails to bring his boundless enthusiasm and expertise to every walk. Equipped with his scope and contagious excitement, Blake makes each outing a joyful and educational experience for birders of all levels. His passion for birding inspires newcomers and experienced enthusiasts alike, making each Saturday morning a special event.
Diana has been an invaluable part of Rio Salado since 2021, joining us after becoming a Master Naturalist. Having grown up camping and developing a deep appreciation for nature, conservation, and ecology, Diana brings her love of the environment to every school group she leads. As an education volunteer, she plays a vital role in guiding students through their field trip experiences. Her enthusiasm for teaching and her deep appreciation for birds are evident in every interaction. She says, "Birds are everywhere. Never a dull moment when birds are around."
Blake, Diana, and all our volunteers make our programs possible. Their time and passion allow us to educate, inspire, and create lasting environmental awareness. We are beyond grateful for their contributions and welcome anyone who wants to make a difference to join us!
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center in Phoenix, email riosalado@audubon.org.
Article by Stella Reed and Juliana Gomez
