WARREN, Minn. -- The Agassiz Audubon Society chapter announced today that it is seeking a new director for the Wetlands, Pines and Prairie Audubon Sanctuary near Warren.
According to Van Hapka of Warren, chapter president, the Audubon chapter's board of directors also has decided to work closely with Audubon Minnesota, the state office of the National Audubon Society, which will assist the board with fundraising, planning and director recruitment.
"Our board is excited to engage in a nationwide search for a new director, with the help of Audubon Minnesota," Hapka said in a news release. "The National Audubon Society has a network of 50 nature centers around the country that it operates.
"It is in an experienced resource to advise and help our local board find new leadership at the Sanctuary and make plans for growing our involvement with schools and with the community," he added.
Hapka emphasized the sanctuary will remain under local control by its board of directors, who will continue to make all decisions regarding sanctuary operations.
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"The Wetlands, Pines and Prairie Sanctuary is an ecological treasure that has great potential to provide local children an outstanding learning experience as well as providing exceptional recreational opportunities for everyone," said Mark Peterson, executive director of Audubon Minnesota based in St. Paul. "It also has the potential, with the right leadership, to become an eco-tourism destination attracting visitors from around the region, benefiting the local economy."
The decision to hire a new director comes on the heels of a vote last spring to elect new board members. Pam Wockenfuss most recently served as sanctuary director. Wockenfuss and Eldor Omdahl, who donated the land for the sanctuary, had a history of feuding over management of the site, which led to division on the board. Omdahl in October 2009 won a court fight to evict Wockenfuss and her husband, Scot, from the headquarters residence, which required the couple to be off the premises by this past Oct. 1.
