Pasadena Audubon Heroes

The Pasadena Audubon Society wouldn't exist without the time and effort of its volunteers. Each year PAS members donate hundreds of hours of their time to make Pasadena Audubon the vibrant organization it is.

We're grateful to each and every volunteer in our organization. But there are several whose dedication stand out. Without further ado, here are the...

2023
Pasadena Audubon Heroes

Ed Stonick: Education Hero Award

Ed Stonick photo

Ed Stonick has been leading field trips for Pasadena Audubon for many years. He took over leading the Nice and Easy Mid-Week Walks from Julia Ray during the pandemic.

As a former 2nd grade teacher, the Bird Science Program was a natural fit for Ed. He’s been volunteering from the beginning, sharing his lifelong passion for birds with kids and he’s very good at it, commanding the kid’s attention with the natural flair that some of us envy.

Thank you, Ed, for all you’ve done and continue to do to further PAS’s mission of sharing the excitement of birds with our community through birding and education, benefitting countless adults and kids over the years.

Diann & Mikaela Shue: Break out volunteers Extraordinaire

Diann & Mikaela Shue photo
Diann and her daughter Mikaela showed up at the Bird Science Program docent training a couple of years ago. They were eager to learn about birds and excited to be able to handle the live birds. We wanted to recognize their contribution to the program. They’ve attended almost every Bird Science Program field trip over those 2 years. They’ve both become very adept at handling the birds, even the impressive Peregrine Falcon, and the young and feisty Great Horned Owl, Bruce. They’re also great in the classroom, as you see them here, with a taxidermy display. Diann and Mikaela are also docents with Eaton Canyon Nature Center, so they are doing a lot of our community. We’re so grateful for their dedication to the program and the birds. Thank you, Diann and Mikaela for all you do!

Carl Matthies: Long Time Volunteer Extraordinaire

Carl Matthies photo
Carl Matthies has been involved in so many facets of the organization. Several years ago, he even starred in our volunteer video, which you can view right here. Here’s a shortlist of Carl’s contributions:
- Outreach volunteer
- Hospitality volunteer
- Wrentit Editor
- Advocacy Committee Member
- Alhambra Bluebird Box Manager
- Deliverer of PAS Birding Guides to our retail partners
- Curator of book donations – and most recently host, chief organizer and salesman at the Used book sale which brought in $500. Btw, we still have books.
- Board member
- PAS Grants Committee member, selecting awardees for PAS grants

Carl always brings a unique and sometimes clairvoyant perspective to discussions both on and off the board. We’re so lucky to have you, Carl, thanks for all you do for Pasadena Audubon

NOTE: Recipients of previous PAS awards and honors can be found here.