BUFFALO TWP — The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is using a storefront along Route 356 to bring attention to Todd Nature Reserve and a new nature park coming on Monroe Road.

Rachel Handel, Audubon Society communications director, said the bird feed store in the Yellow Jacket Square plaza, which opened last week, is a stop for park visitors since there is no center at Todd.

“We didn't have that,” Handel said.

The store, which also sells birdhouses, Audubon books and other related amenities, has an area with tables and chairs for presentations or classes.

Eventually, the store will relocate to the new park, which is the former Oregon Club camp now owned by the township.

“It is a temporary location,” Handel said.

The permanent store is part of a $1 million campaign that entails construction of a nature center, nature play area, picnic facilities, stream access for fishing and food concessions.

Handel said $956,000 of the total has been raised.

The Audubon Society and the township acquired state grant money — $225,000 from the Department of Economic Development and $200,000 from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Of a total $1 million given by the Richard King Mellon Foundation to the Audubon Society, $250,000 is allotted to the new Buffalo park.

Jim Bonner, the Western Pennsylvania Audubon Society's executive director, said the remaining $281,000 came from various donors.

Bonner said additional donations are needed to fill the gap and cover possible cost overruns.

“We're still looking for support,” he said.