Category Archives: Get Involved

Ollie Perrault: A Hero Among Us

Posted on December 6, 2022 by Kaylin D.

During the Celtics game on November 30, 15-year-old Mass Audubon Youth Climate Leader, Ollie Perrault, was given the Heroes Among Us Award. For 25 years, the Boston Celtics have recognized people across the Commonwealth who are making a difference in our communities. This year, Governor-elect Maura Healey presented Perrault as the recipient of this prestigious award. 

Ollie Perrault stands in the middle of a basketball court with a blue shirt and patterned jeans while waving and smiling at the camera. Standing next to her is Governor-elect Maura Healey smiling in a black blazer and black pants.
Ollie Perrault with Governor-elect Maura Healey © Boston Celtics

As an added bonus, Perrault also had the opportunity to meet Prince William and Princess Kate, who were sitting courtside as part of their brief trip to Boston for The Earthshot Prize 2022. “I told them how incredibly inspired I was to see them taking up the climate cause by dedicating themselves to policy change and supporting climate mitigation efforts by implementing innovative, sustainable solutions,” said Perrault. “I also wanted to thank them for recognizing the power and importance of youth voices in the climate conversation and taking some time to highlight some of the incredible student-led organizations I am a part of.” 

Her interaction with the couple has sparked numerous local, regional, and even international news. 

Prince William extends his hand to shake Ollie Perrault's hand. Princess Kate stands next to her husband smiling at Ollie. Cameramen surround them to take a photo of the interaction.
Prince William and Princess Kate meeting Ollie Perrault © Jim Davis/The Boston Globe

Perrault became a Youth Climate Leader when she was 11 years old. The Youth Climate Leadership Program provides young adults and youth the support and tools they need to advocate for climate action in their communities. “I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to spread the word about my work and to highlight the issues and solutions that young people are prioritizing today,” she said. 

Perrault’s passion and dedication to making a difference is inspirational for people of all ages, and she is the perfect example of a Heroes Among Us. In the days following the ceremony, Perrault reflected, “I have been feeling incredibly hopeful to know just how many people out there support my work and I am ready to take this recognition back to Youth Climate Action Now and the Youth Climate Leadership Program to inspire more youth leaders to join the climate conversation and continue educating, empowering, and advocating for our right to a livable future.”   

To learn more about Perrault and what drove her to become a Youth Climate Leader, read what she wrote for our In Your Words column in March of 2022. 

Earth Month Volunteer Days

Posted on April 1, 2022 by Kaylin D.

You may know that Earth Day is April 22, but did you know that the whole month of April is Earth Month and Celebrate Diversity Month? This year, Mass Audubon is combining both themes into a month-long celebration of diversity, community, and resilience in nature and our human communities. 

In nature, the resilience of ecological communities depends on the richness of their diversity and the strength of their interconnectedness. In human communities, resilience is also built through connection, celebrating and honoring differences, and taking local action to positively affect the whole community. Not only does volunteering help support and protect our natural communities, but it also makes our human communities stronger and more resilient. 

Here are just a few of the volunteer opportunities we have planned. 

Habitat Improvements at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary
Marshfield, MA • Saturday, April 2 • 10:00 am–12:00 pm 

Restore the habitats at the Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary by removing litter, debris, and invasive species from the fields and trails of the sanctuary. Cleaning these habitats will help foster a more resilient ecosystem that supports the growth and survival of native wildlife species. 

Work for Wildlife at the Boston Nature Center
Mattapan, MA • Saturday, April 9 • 9:00 am–12:00 pm

Grab your gardening gloves as we spruce up the gardens and trails for spring at the Boston Nature Center. Keep the sanctuary in tip-top shape by removing trash and weeds, reapplying compost and mulch, and pruning the plants.  

Volunteer Day at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Lenox, MA • Lenox, MA • Friday, April 22 •  9:30 am–12:30 pm  

Lend a hand at the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary as we trim trails, straighten fences, and get the Nature Play Area ready for spring. As you volunteer, enjoy the beautiful views along the slopes of Lenox Mountain. 

Beach Clean Up at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Edgartown, MA • Saturday, April 23 • 10:00 am–12:00 pm 

Take a walk on the beautiful shorelines of Martha’s Vineyard and clean the beach along the way with the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary team. Keep the shorelines clean and safe for people and wildlife enjoying the waves.

Stream Cleanup at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary 
Worcester, MA • Saturday, April 30 • 8:30–11:30 am

Put on your rubber boots as we work to clean the stream at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. Remove trash and litter to help make a better environment for the communities of people and wildlife it supports. 

Raised Vegetable Gardens at Endicott Wildlife Sanctuary 
Wenham, MA • Saturday, April 30 • 9:00 am–12:00 pm 

Closeout April by volunteering in the gardens at Endicott Wildlife Sanctuary. Work with other community members as we prepare our raised gardens for the growing and planting season and create new planters for visitors to enjoy at the entrance of the sanctuary.

More Events and Opportunities

Throughout April, there will be more volunteer opportunities, plus online and in-person programs and nature-based activities. Learn more at massaudubon.org/earthmonth.