Meet Our 2023 Volunteer of the Year!
The National Aviary has named O’Hara Township resident Sarah Jones its 2023 Volunteer of the Year in honor of her years of service and dedication to the Aviary. Having served more than 3,000 hours for nearly a decade, Sarah is recognized for her strong teaching capabilities, excellence in visitor engagement, and an ongoing commitment to the National Aviary’s mission to inspire respect for nature through an appreciation of birds,
“Volunteers such as Sarah Jones are crucial to the National Aviary, and we are beyond thankful for her invaluable contributions to helping us fulfill our mission,” says Teri Grendzinski, Volunteer Manager. Sarah’s amazing work with our educational programming and engaging personality have immensely impacted the youth who walk through our doors. We are beyond proud to call Sarah Jones our Volunteer of the Year.”
Jones came to the National Aviary in 2014 after working more than 24 years as an educator for the Wilkinsburg school district. During that time, she garnered experience with students of all ages, including acting as a first-grade teacher at Turner Intermediate Schools. Her deep love for birds and nature combined with her ability to teach led her to seek a volunteer position at the National Aviary.
“Before my career as a volunteer, I would often sit on my porch with bird seed and even occasionally place scarecrows in the backyard to attract birds. I had this strong desire to get closer to birds while wanting to learn more about them and what I could do to protect them and their natural habitats,” says Jones. “When my daughter was younger, the Aviary was one of her favorite places to visit, so when seeking a volunteer position after retirement, choosing the Aviary was a no-brainer. After several months of volunteering, I was thrilled to begin teaching the kids who visit the Aviary through field trips and other educational outreach. Using the training and skills I have received from the incredible staff, I have been able to share that knowledge with young minds.”
Jones has become an incredible asset to the Aviary, having worked with an array of the Animal Ambassadors who reside here, starting with smaller species like Eastern Screech-Owls, working up to macaws, and one of her personal favorites, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Dumbledore. Jones also acts as a strong advocate for the Aviary’s conservation efforts, making sure to educate her students and other guests thoroughly on the ways they can help save birds and protect their natural habitats.
“Two of the main things that bring me back to the Aviary every day are the joy on a child’s face when they meet one of our birds for the first time, and the kindness of the staff whom I get the pleasure of working with, those factors alone are what I like to call a huge chunk of wonderful”, says Jones. “I could not have received the Volunteer of the Year Award without the support of the other committed volunteers serving alongside me.”
Jones continues to share her love of birds and the Aviary with her husband, their three daughters, and her loving grandson.
Interesting in becoming a volunteer? The National Aviary is accepting applications for a range of volunteer positions. Those interested can click here to learn more about open positions and the application process.