In 2024, the Norman Bird Sanctuary celebrated a significant milestone: our 75th anniversary. Since our founding in 1949 through a bequest by Mabel Norman Cerio, the Norman Bird Sanctuary has been connecting the community with nature, preserving wildlife habitat, providing innovative environmental education, and helping people foster a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Throughout the year, we hosted a variety of programs and events that honored our history and deepened our connection to our community—Wednesday Walks with arborist, Matthew “Twig” Largess, workshops with visiting artists Nina Elder and Emily Clare, Paint Paradise Plein Air Day with artists of all levels, hosting the 25th annual Rhode Island BioBlitz, and presenting our interdisciplinary speaker series Sightlines featuring seven lectures from talented professionals in the field.
In the fall, we capped off the celebrations with the 50th Annual Harvest Fair, a weekend full of local traditions, live music, and community spirit. Over two beautiful sunny days, the Norman Bird Sanctuary was joined by almost 10,000 visitors for old fashioned games, mudpit fights, pony rides, delicious food, local music, and more.
In 2024, we also unveiled a new digital archive, inviting friends old and new to explore the rich history of the Norman Bird Sanctuary and contribute their own memories to our shared history. Together, these moments highlighted the enduring impact of the Sanctuary and the vibrant community that has made our organization’s work possible for the past 75 years.
Though our 75th anniversary year has come to a close, there are still countless ways to stay connected to the Norman Bird Sanctuary, get involved, and help us kick off the next 75 years:
- View our digital archive, and maybe even contribute content of your own. To get in touch, reach out via email to mwilliams@normanbirdsanctuary.org
- Join or renew your Norman Bird Sanctuary membershi Free trail access including exclusive “Member Mondays,” discounts to Summer Camp and events, ability to rent NBS facilities, and so much more!
- Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to receive the most up-to-date news on all things Norman Bird Sanctuary.
- Contribute to our conservation and environmental education efforts by supporting our Annual Fund, underwriting scholarships and programs, or making a gift from your IRA.
- Guarantee your legacy endures by leaving Norman Bird Sanctuary in your will or living trust. Your gift may be a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder after all other provisions are specified.
