Retired Addison Trail teacher honored for years of service to Kane County Audubon

Retired Addison Trail biology teacher Bob Andrini sits on a bench that was recently dedicated to him and his wife, Kathy, in honor of their years of service to Kane County Audubon. Bob was president of that organization from 1996 to 2019. Kane County Audubon dedicated the bench and a hiking trail at Hickory Knolls Natural Area in St. Charles to recognize Bob and Kathy's volunteerism and passion for birding.

Retired Addison Trail biology teacher Bob Andrini and his wife, Kathy, stand by the sign dedicating a hiking trail at Hickory Knolls Natural Area in St. Charles in their name to honor their volunteerism and passion for birding. Kane County Audubon dedicated the trail and a bench to the Andrinis to recognize their support of the organization, including Bob's years of service as president from 1996 to 2019.

Addison Trail alumni, staff and friends who visit Kane County Audubon will be greeted by a familiar name.

The organization, which is dedicated to preserving the county’s birds and the habitats on which they rely, recently honored retired Addison Trail biology teacher Bob Andrini and his wife, Kathy, with a bench and a hiking trail at Hickory Knolls Natural Area in St. Charles.

Bob served as president of Kane County Audubon from 1996 to 2019, and he and Kathy are active volunteers, dedicating their time to educating others about the natural environment and sharing their passion for birding. On Sept. 9, Kane County Audubon hosted an event to dedicate the bench and trail. To see an article in the Daily Herald about Bob and the dedication, go to https://tinyurl.com/yy7pc5bj. For more information about Kane County Audubon, go to http://kanecountyaudubon.org/welcome.htm.

Bob said his passion for birding started when he took an ornithology course at Northern Illinois University, and it continued to grow as he worked with students at Addison Trail, where he taught from 1969 to 2002. During his years at Addison Trail, Bob was a class sponsor and an adviser for the Biology Club. He also taught an independent study in ornithology (a mini birdwatching class) during the spring migrations from 1971 until he retired. He and the students were outside bright and early from 6 to 7:30 a.m. once a week. He also taught various birding classes at College of DuPage for about 12 years.

“I never worked a day in my life,” Bob said. “I loved the interaction with the students and looked forward to my classes. My students inspired me and kept my enthusiasm going.”