There is nothing we like more than hearing from our members and supporters—this is especially true when it comes to young nature heroes like Molly.

You see, Molly is 10 year old inspiration. For the last two years, she has participated in a craft fair at the Robbins Library in Arlington, hand-making stuffed owls. Last year, she donated half of her proceeds to an organization that helped the homeless. This year, her love of owls and her desire to protect wildlife led her to Mass Audubon.

“A lot of animals are endangered and they are the ones that need a lot right now,” Molly said. “Because of global warming, they are being harmed, and I wanted to do something to help them.”

She chose the fabrics and colors, sewed 24 stuffed owls, and even gave them unique names adorned on a tag. Going into the craft fair, Molly said she was confident, but also knew that if she only sold 1, that would still help. Turns out, she sold all 24, raising $60 for Mass Audubon.

“Molly has always been a kid that takes action to help others,” her mom, Karen, said. “Last summer, she begged us to help her have a bake sale on our corner after the hurricanes. She doesn’t just want to do something, she does something. I admire that about her.”

So do we. Thank you Molly!

Over the past year, the number of nature heroes who, in big and small ways, made lasting, positive impact on the natural world is nothing short of remarkable. Mass Audubon’s 2017 Annual Report shares just some of their stories. Read the entire report and take a look at just some of the year’s accomplishments, by the numbers.

It’s not too late to be a nature hero. Your support will help us make these numbers even better in 2018! Make a difference today >

374,272

Kilowatt hours produced from Mass Audubon’s solar arrays, which account for approximately 37% of the energy used by the entire organization. Most recently, Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton and Northampton installed a new tilting, rotating solar panel that uses a tracker that follows the sun across the sky.

2

Freedom chairs (think: mountain bike crossed with a wheelchair) donated to two wildlife sanctuaries for rugged exploration.

15

Nature Play Areas now established at wildlife sanctuaries, including three new ones, where kids can jump on stumps, build with sticks, and make music.

14,071

The number of volunteers who generously help Mass Audubon throughout the year.

2,500

Somerville students in grades K–8 who were able to enjoy Drumlin Farm produce in their school cafeterias.

300

Supporters who joined Mass Audubon for the March for Science on Boston Common on April 22, 2017.

306

Number of acres protected this year, with the support of generous individuals, families,  businesses, communities, and public and private partners.

1,500

People in Revere, Winthrop, and the Boston Harbor Islands that learned about protecting coastal waterbirds through an urban outreach partnership between Mass Audubon’s Coastal Waterbird Program, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation  and the National Park Service.

4

The number of stars (the highest rating) Charity Navigator has awarded Mass Audubon for four consecutive years.

525 feet

The length of the new and improved Stony Brook boardwalk. The original boardwalk, which opened 40 years ago, was closed for renovations in March 2016 and reopened August 2017.

Thanks again for a wonderful year!