Larissa Cassano-Hamilton, coordinator at Succop Nature Park, left, and Karen Stein, site director, at the Audubon Nature Store at Succop Nature Park in Penn Township. The store has closed effective Thursday, Jan. 22.Paula Grubbs/Butler Eagle

The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania — a wildlife conservation nonprofit in Fox Chapel, Allegheny County, which operates four nature preserves across the region — has closed two of its nature stores.

Effective Thursday, Jan. 22, the nature stores at Succop Nature Park in Butler and Buffalo Creek Nature Park in Sarver have closed. The stores have been community resources for bird feeding.

According to the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, the move will allow the society “to focus our resources on education programs and conservation initiatives that will continue to connect people to birds and nature,” a news release said.

Those who have relied on the nature stores for bird feed and supplies will be able to purchase those items on the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania’s website starting Feb. 15.

Online orders can then be picked up at Succop Nature Park and Buffalo Creek Nature Park.

Despite the stores closures, both nature parks remain open to provide free outdoor recreation year round, along with facility rentals, community events and volunteer opportunities.

The society’s website can be found at www.aswp.org.