Mar 22, 23, 24: The Messenger -- film about songbirds

Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is kicking off the public phase of its centennial campaign, celebrating 100 years of connecting the people of southwestern Pennsylvania to birds and nature.  The centennial date is March 24, 2016, and three screenings of the visually stunning film The Messenger will be accompanied by an introduction to the plans for Audubon sites and programs in our regions.

“We are excited to announce a lead gift by the Richard King Mellon Foundation, in addition to gifts and pledges from over 150 individuals and organizations.  This has already helped us to raise $4.5 million of our $7 million goal,” said Jim Bonner, Executive Director, Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania.

ASWP has three public sites—Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve (Fox Chapel), Succop Nature Park (Butler) and Todd Nature Reserve (Sarver)—and each will see renovations and upgrades as a result of the centennial campaign.  Additionally, ASWP will open a new community center and park adjacent to Todd Nature Reserve, along the Butler-Freeport Community Trail.
ASWP is also introducing a suite of regional initiatives that will bring hands-on conservation and education programs into local homes, schools, parks, and communities.

The Centennial Campaign is chaired by Bill Schenck, Vice Chairman, TriState Capital Bank. ASWP will kick off the public phase of the campaign with free viewings of the documentary “The Messenger.”  The film tells the story about the mass depletion of songbirds on multiple continents, and about those who are working to turn the tide.  Prior to showing the film, ASWP will provide details to the audience of proposed upgrades and improvements to its three public properties.

All showings begin at 7 pm on the following dates.  Seating is limited and reservations are required by signing up at www.aswp.org:
• March 22 – Freeport Area High School, Sarver
• March 23 – Succop Theater at Butler County Community College, Butler
• March 24 – Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Fox Cha