Beechwood Farms charms new executive director

FOX CHAPEL -- Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve is taking flight.

At least, that is what James Bonner, the new executive director of the reserve along Dorseyville Road, is hoping it will do.

"I want people to stop on over and check out what we have to offer," said Bonner of Tarentum.

"I like everything about Beechwood," Bonner said. "The staff and the board are great."

Bonner joined Beechwood in January after serving as the executive director at the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society for two-and-a-half years. He also worked at the National Aviary for 10 years and spent 10 years working in electronic security.

"It touches me very closely," Bonner said. "It's an opportunity to follow my passion, which is birds."

Beechwood is the headquarters for the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania.

As executive director, Bonner manages the various departments at Beechwood, including the education and fund-raising programs. He also oversees the operations of the store on the property.

"I do a little bit of everything," Bonner said.

Under Bonner's guidance, Beechwood is conducting a series of facility improvements and renovations. Beechwood received a $75,000 grant to conduct these operations. Gifts from private donors also will help pay for the improvements. The auditorium will be recarpeted and painted, and several classrooms are being renovated. Additionally public rest-rooms will be installed.

"We do a strategic plan to see what progress we are making on our short and long-term goals," he said.

Outside, new gardens will be installed on the property and the current staff also will work to maintain the current trails, which extend five miles through the site.

Through the assistance of outside professionals and volunteers, the staff of Beechwood is working to achieve these goals.

"We are evolving the programs that we have," Bonner said. "Every year we evaluate our programs."

Bonner also is working with his staff to improve the education programs at Beechwood. The site is used by hundreds of students each year as an outdoor classroom.

"We are always looking to add new ones," he said.

Despite the rainy season, Bonner said his new job is one where he looks forward to his surroundings -- quite a stretch from his prior digs.

"My friends from the Humane Society call, and I tell them I'm looking out at a deer or a beautiful bird flying over the site," he said, laughing. "They're looking out at busy city traffic."