Success for Audubon Nature Institute’s Community Connect Program

Audubon Nature Institute launched its Community Connect program in January 2019 with the commitment to help grow accessibility to Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, and Audubon Louisiana Nature Center for New Orleanians. Due to the overwhelming success, the Nature Center’s Planetarium is extending programming in July for its Orleans Parish Appreciation Days.

The Nature Center’s Orleans Parish Appreciation Days on July 24 and 31 will now offer more opportunities for Orleans Parish residents to catch a Planetarium show free of charge with the addition of four new show times. In August, when school is back in session, the Nature Center will return to the single 2:30 p.m. scheduled show time.

Audubon Louisiana Nature Center July 24 and 31 Planetarium Schedule:

• 10:30 a.m.
• 11:30 a.m.
• 1:30 p.m.
• 2:30 p.m.
• 3:30 p.m.

Visit this link to see the entire 2019 Orleans Parish Appreciation Day Calendar.

“Audubon strives to connect our residents to conservation and wildlife and to strengthen community relationships. We are very proud of the success of the Community Connect initiatives, and thank the New Orleans community for supporting Audubon’s mission,” said Audubon Nature Institute’s Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and General Counsel Rebecca Dietz. "We remain committed to engaging and educating our local community about the importance of nature and the care and survival of wildlife.”

The Audubon Community Connect program consists of three components:

• Orleans Parish Appreciation Days: Every Wednesday, Orleans Parish residents with a valid government-issued photo ID receive free admission to Audubon attractions for themselves and up to four guests. Attractions rotate each week among the Aquarium, Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Zoo, and Planetarium at the Nature Center.
  • As of May 2019, 7,228 individuals have participated.
• Audubon SNAP Program: Orleans Parish SNAP benefit recipients receive complimentary admission to Audubon facilities year-round (special events restrictions apply). SNAP participant with a valid ID that matches the SNAP card and up to four guests receive free admission to Audubon facilities.
  • As of May 2019, 3,219 individuals have participated.
• Audubon Museum Partner Pass: Audubon has partnered with New Orleans Public Library to offer a partner pass available for check out by library cardholders. Three passes have been provided to each library in Orleans Parish, and each pass provides entry for up to two adults and seven children for a two-week period.
  • As of May 2019, Audubon's Museum Partner Pass program has been used 434 times.

“Increasing residents' access to Audubon's amenities is a major step forward in ensuring all families can participate in opportunities that are in their own backyard. The City was proud to collaborate with the Audubon Nature Institute on a successful renewal and redistribution of tax payer dollars that support our parks and recreation system,” said Director of the Mayor’s Office of Youth and Families Emily Wolff. “We look forward to continuing to work together to bring equity, access and an improved quality of life for New Orleanians through a strong, interconnected park system that is available to all.”

Through the Community Connect program Audubon Nature Institute has expanded its commitment to share the wonders of nature with our community.