Blackland Prairie Raptor Center Builds its Nest Phase 3

Transcription

1 Blackland Prairie Raptor Center Builds its Nest Phase 3 Raptor Rehabilitation Clinic/Hospital Specialized Caging: ICU, Conditioning, Testing Operations

2 From the Executive Director Blackland Prairie Raptor Center (BPRC) began in 2004 with a small but determined group of individuals with a common goal to create a place where the people of North Texas could experience birds of prey and learn about their importance in the environment as a whole. Blackland Prairie Raptor Center has become a valued community resource, especially educating North Texas about our birds and their place in the environment. In the first year of operations we presented educational programs to schools, festivals, camps and environmental groups, reaching more than 5,000 people. More than 150,000 participants have experience BPRC s programs at monthly First Saturday events, Photography Days, Rods n Raptors Catch and Release Fishing Derbies, Scout overnight and week long Day Camps, Special Events, as well as education programs throughout the community. In 2007, BPRC signed a lease with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Brockdale Park. This 66-acre site had been closed to the public for more than 30 years. Situated on the edge of Lavon Lake, the property s diverse habitats, plants and animals, make it a wonderful site for a raptor center. We have developed the area to include a public use area, as well as private housing for our feathered education ambassadors with more to come, specifically a birds of prey hospital and rehabilitation center. To date we ve invested $200,000 developing the property to expand and improve the visitors experience by building more than 2 miles of trails, an outdoor classroom/observation deck, and an amphitheater, and by planting gardens, renovating an office, constructing a permanent home for the education raptors, and installing plumbing infrastructure for future buildings. Now is the time for BPRC to expand its services to the North Texas community by incorporating Raptor Rehabilitation into daily operations. The budget for BPRC s Capital Campaign Builds its Nest Phase 3 is $260,000 to realize the three key components: 1) Equip a hospital with an initial exam room, intensive care units and necessary equipment 2) Construct flight cages appropriate to species and size [Texas Parks and Wildlife Department must inspect and approve the physical facilities] 3) Operations for long-term sustainability Our Center Values drive us to always be responsible stewards of contributions: We will build only as funding is received; We will practice the highest standards of care in treatment and rehabilitation of sick, orphaned and injured birds of prey with the goal of their release to the wild. We invite you to become a key member of Blackland Prairie Raptor Center s future by helping us build a facility dedicated to the care of North Texas birds of prey so that future generations of Texans can enjoy their beauty and appreciate their importance to the environment. Yours very truly,

3 About Blackland Prairie Raptor Center Incorporated as BPRaptorCenter in 2004, Blackland Prairie Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental preservation through public education and conservation of birds of prey and wildlife in their natural habitat. Through its work with birds of prey, Blackland Prairie Raptor Center s (BPRC) Vision is to be a catalyst fostering a positive impact on life and the environment of Texas. [pictured: Red-shouldered Hawk] BPRC identified three corporate Values which provide the foundation and direction for how the organization works to achieve its Mission in order to reach its Vision: 1. As Educators, we believe in experienced-based, integrated environmental education that heightens appreciation and respect for birds of prey and their vital role maintaining a healthy ecosystem; and 2. As Conservationists, we are committed to restoring and maintaining the health and vitality of the few remaining pristine acres of Blackland Prairie eco-region. 3. As Healers, we will practice the highest standards in the care, treatment and rehabilitation of sick, orphaned and injured birds of prey to enable their release back into the wild. What is a Raptor? Raptors, also known as birds of prey, have features distinct from other birds: Hooked beak Excellent vision and/or hearing some seven times greater than humans for locating prey Feet and talons to grasp and carry prey Raptors include hawks, owls, falcons, eagles, osprey, kites, and vultures (not true birds of prey). As many as 27 species of raptors live or migrate through North Texas each year. Since 2004, BPRC has met its Mission through Education programs offered on-site as well as at schools, community events, festivals, and other public activities. The most frequently requested programs are: Whoo s in the Dark, Predators from the Sky Gotcha Covered, and Night Flight. Each program features Raptor Ambassadors, are at least 45 minutes in length, and the presentations are age/grade appropriate in vocabulary, science and any special needs. [Top - River Legacy; Left & Center - First Saturday ; Earth Day Downtown Dallas]

4 About Blackland Prairie Raptor Center In 2007, the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers and BPRC signed a lease for the 66-acre site on Lavon Lake formerly known as Brockdale Park. To expand and improve the visitor s experience, BPRC has built more than 2 miles of trails, a covered outdoor classroom/observation deck, a bird blind, an amphitheater and planted gardens. To centralize operations permanent caging was constructed for the education raptors and an office building was renovated which allows us to provide volunteer training for bird care, as well as host seminars and meetings. [Left Trail Building; Lower left Girl Scout Gold Award Boardwalk; Right Boy Scout Eagle Award Bridge] In order to work with Raptors, organizations must be inspected and permitted by Governmental agencies. BPRaptorCenter continues to meet all requirements and is permitted by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (MB ) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (EDU ) to provide education programs with live birds of prey. This year, Blackland Prairie Raptor Center launches the final phase of Builds its Nest campaign adding Raptor Rehabilitation into daily operations. BPRC is supported by approximately thirty-six volunteers and: Staff Volunteer/Staff Erich Neupert, Executive Director Pam Dancaster, Resident Bird Care Manager First Permitted for Education 1998 Sub-permitted for Education 2000 Joined BPRC 2006 Joined BPRC 2004 The Board of Directors: Mary C. Schoeffel, Chair Laura H. Mowrey, Treasurer Jess Glotzbach, Secretary Glenn A. Elstoen Mary T. Weis D.V.M.

5 History In 2004, BPRaptorCenter (d/b/a Blackland Prairie Raptor Center) was incorporated, received its IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit designation, and received permits from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide education programs with live birds of prey. BPRC s reach now extends beyond North Central Texas. More than 150,000 people from Athens to Austin, Hillsboro to Houston, Denton to Dallas and beyond have participated in our programs since School children, Boy and Girl scouts, and seniors alike benefit from learning about the co-existence of humans and wildlife to our mutual survival. Blackland Prairie Raptor Center Builds Its Nest Master Plan Phases 1 & 2; $200,000 invested Each accomplishment represents hours of dedicated volunteer work, showcases private/public partnerships, and provides the community with more opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, view endangered Blackland Prairie and experience raptors in person. MILESTONES 2004 BPRC launched, granted 501c3 nonprofit status by IRS First program delivered at Texas Discovery Gardens More than 5,000 participated in programs 2005 Establish partnership with Blackland Prairie Master Naturalists Establish partnership with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society Inaugurated series programming with All Saints Camp and Conference Center Programs delivered at schools and festivals 2006 Erich Neupert named Executive Director Property identified Brockdale Park on Lavon Lake First BPRC-organized event held on site of future home Rare plant for Collin County identified on site 2007 Lease signed with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 66 acres on the edge of Lavon Lake Master Planning begun Three community programs hosted on-site Photo Day launched First Eagle Scout project completed

6 History 2008 Rods n Raptors Catch & Release Kids Fishing Derby launched Collin County Parks Advisory Board awarded Grant First Corporate Grant received 2009 Native Plant Demonstration Garden dedicated First trail completed First Saturday monthly on-site community programs launched 2010 Permanent home for Education Ambassadors completed and occupied EarthShare of Texas membership for Workplace Giving Amphitheater completed Rare plant for Collin County identified on site 2011 Building completed and in use as Volunteer Training Center, Administrative Office 2 miles of Trails completed programs presented to more than 28,000 participants at schools, environmental organizations, libraries and community events 30 Eagle Scout projects completed to date 2013 Outdoor classroom/observation deck completed

7 History Special thanks to those who have sustained the effort to Build its Nest though Phases 1 and 2: Bill&CarolynBrueggeman BlacklandPrairieMasterNaturalist BoyandGirlScoutsofNorthTexas C&LConstruction CityofLucas CollinCountyParksAdvisoryBoard EarthShareofTexas FortWorthAudubonSociety GraysonECollinElectricCooperative HeardNaturalScienceMuseum J.DougHanna NancyRuthFund ErichNeupert Werner&NancyNeupert Prairie&TimbersAudubonSociety REI RockwellCollins MarySchoeffel TexasParksandWildlifeDepartment BelindaUlrich U.S.FishandWildlifeService U.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers TheGeorgeandFayYoungFoundation

8 The Future of BPRC Please join us in building a facility dedicated to the care of North Texas birds of prey so that future generations of Texans can enjoy their beauty and appreciate their importance to the environment. Always responsible stewards of contributions, Blackland Prairie Raptor Center staged the Builds its Nest campaign and constructed as funds were received. Aspects of the campaign were interchangeable and many have been executed concurrently. This third and final stage of the campaign will integrate Raptor Rehabilitation into daily operations, fulfilling BPRC s core values to be: Educators, Conservationist, and Healers. Now is the time for BPRC to expand its services to the North Texas community by incorporating Raptor Rehabilitation into daily operations. The budget for BPRC s Builds its Nest Phase 3 is $260,000 to realize the three key components: 1) Equip a hospital with an initial exam room, intensive care units and necessary equipment 2) Construct flight cages appropriate to species and size [Texas Parks and Wildlife Department must inspect and approve the physical facilities] 3) Operations Ensuring sustainable operations has been the guiding principle throughout all work completed. At a Raptor Center, the day-to-day costs range from the mundane to unique: utilities, insurance, upkeep and maintenance; appropriate and varied supply of food to meet species requirements; and staffing. Expansion of community services to include Raptor Rehabilitation will increase current operating expenses. Though volunteers allow us to continue to grow programming and capitalize upon opportunities as well as provide goods and services necessary to meet customers requests and patients needs, not all will be covered by these generous people. As we strive to complete Builds its Nest, we look forward to In Flight. In Flight, the next 10-year plan includes new construction to complete the Public Venue: an Education Facility, a trail exhibiting live Raptors, complete renovation of the existing paved trail, access and parking lot to accommodate increased traffic. On the Conservation side plans are to construct a permanent, fully-equipped Hospital which will be a site for trainings, internships and classes for those interested in assisting in animal care.

9 The Future of BPRC To date we ve invested $200,000 developing the property to expand and improve the visitors experience by building more than 2 miles of new trails, an outdoor classroom/observation deck, an amphitheater, planting gardens, renovating an office, constructing a permanent home for the education raptors, and installing plumbing infrastructure for future buildings. We invite you to become a key member of Blackland Prairie Raptor Center s future building a facility dedicated to the care of North Texas birds of prey so that future generations of Texas can enjoy their beauty and appreciate their importance to the environment. The Staff and Board of Directors of Blackland Prairie Raptor Center

10 Raptor Rehabilitation - Value Please join us in building a facility dedicated to the care of North Texas birds of prey so that future generations of Texans can enjoy their beauty and appreciate their importance to the environment. The value of raptors in the wild to the public is known and documented. Primary among these are: PEST CONTROL Raptors are a natural solution - Vintners place nesting boxes for Common Barn Owls nature s best mouse catcher in and around the vines. The cost to build the boxes is negligible when compared to that of the mouse traps, poisons and other means previously used to protect their crops from vermin. Farmers are happy to see Mississippi Kites, American Kestrels and Red-Tailed Hawks flying over their fields and near their grain storage facilities. Primarily insectivores, Mississippi Kites catch insects on the wing and devour them in flight. They put a large dent in the grasshopper and cricket populations that can devastate crops. The American Kestrel also eats insects. Better yet, the Kestrel s vision includes a different light spectrum than humans that allows them to see the urine trail of mice, another bane to farmers. Both the Kestrel and Kite are small compared to the Red-Tailed Hawk that helps control populations of larger rodents. In North Texas, the nightshift working the same areas include, Eastern Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl, and Common Barn Owls. BIO-INDICATOR SPECIES - As a predator, a carnivore that eats all types of live food, raptors are an indicator species for the health of the environment and potential threats to humans. In the 1970s the Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagle were headed toward extinction. Dedicated scientists determined that the chemical DDT was the root cause. Farmers used DDT regularly from the 1940s to the 1970s. The chemical, applied to the land, was absorbed by plants and found in the water which was consumed by prey species which were then eaten by the Falcons and Eagles. Even through secondary and tertiary absorption, the effects of DDT were fatal. Eggshells were so thin that they broke under the weight of the parent during nesting. The DDT was being stored in the birds fat cells. Today, we know that a number of known carcinogens and other chemicals are found in human fat stores. RAPTOR INJURIES - Today, unfortunately, 90% of the sick, injured or orphaned raptors in North Texas are in this situation due to humans. Some are accidental car collisions, flying into windows or towers (cell, electrical) as well as trees downed with an active nest. Others are intentional: those birds shot, poisoned or trapped as a nuisance or trophy, and some are patients as a result of carelessness: improperly mixed or applied fertilizers cause fatal burns to exposed skin; poisons left for and ingested by mammals that are then consumed by raptors. This carelessness also impacts children and pets. BPRC believes that the care of compromised raptors in an appropriate facility to facilitate healing and allow re-release will improve the health of our environment. We need raptors to assist in sustaining the ecosystem that we call home. All rehabilitation requires special knowledge, facilities, and permits or certification. Care of injured, young, or ill wildlife is essentially the same protocol. Raptor rehabilitation is a highly specialized program, separate even from non-raptor avian species or other predatory animals. BPRC has among its staff and volunteers several decades of subject matter expertise in raptor rehabilitation as well as excellent working relationships with local veterinarians to augment the on-site skills.

11 Raptor Rehabilitation - Details In order to receive, treat, and release birds or prey, BPRC must follow very strict rules and obtain permits from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Required before any organization is allowed to apply for the necessary permits are: 1. CLINIC/HOSPITAL with specific areas to meet the patients needs: a) Exam area for initial examinations as well as on going medical treatments for recuperating patients. Certain equipment and medications are required for basic injuries/illnesses. b) Intensive Care Unit(s) separated from all other areas, this space must be able to house all sizes and species of raptors in a quiet, calm environment with human contact limited to cleaning, feeding and medical treatments. c) Quarantine Room with separate air flow to use for those with communicable (to birds) illnesses. d) Food storage and prep (mice, rats, quail, etc.) of appropriate, varied dietary needs of all species. BPRC will also include: e) Nursery/orphanage limits human viewing during the many daily feedings to avoid imprinting. f) Office record keeping, center of operations and training. 2. CAGING Appropriate for each stage of evaluation and recovery. Caging requirements are based on characteristics of the raptor species and enable rehabilitators to accurately evaluate the recovering patient s ability to survive on its own in the wild. a) ICU for close observation, daily treatments, and manual physical therapy b) Conditioning/Limited Activity outdoor cages to reacclimatize to weather, stretch wings and strengthen legs hopping from perch to perch without suffering new/additional injuries c) Testing/Unlimited Activity large enough for full, extended flights based on species, to develop skills, including hunting live prey released for that purpose. Eagle flights must be 100 feet and have a turn of at least 22.5 degrees to make the bird turn, bank and angle in flight. Caging materials (wood slats) and sizes are specified in state and federal regulations. All are sealed at the bottom to prevent predation, and to keep test prey inside. Raptors must pass mouse school by demonstrating that they can support themselves with their hunting skills prior to release.

12 Raptor Rehabilitation - Details Though BPRC s patients are Raptors, our customers are the concerned, caring citizens who found the distressed raptors. On the phone and in person, trained Volunteers will provide expert advice, assurance and options for the situation at hand. With instruction, some folks are willing to capture and deliver the raptor to the center. Others will rely on a network of Volunteers willing to collect and transport the birds. With nestlings, returning the chick to the nest is best. Our goal is to ensure that each contact knows a bit more about the bird they have rescued as well as how they have, and can, help survival of raptors in their neighborhood. Patients will also be routed to BPRC through DFW Wildlife Coalition, Municipal Animal Control offices, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Game Wardens. Recent information estimates that in the first full year of operation that BPRC may see 300 patients. GOAL

13 Raptor Rehabilitation Center Features 1. Accipiter Flight cages 2. Medium Bird Flight cages 3. Small Bird Limited Activity and Flight cages 4. Airlock/Limited Activity cages for large birds 5. Large Bird Flight cages 6. Eagle Flight cage 7. Storage/building materials area 8. Administration Building 9. Rehabilitation Hospital 10. Education Raptor Mews 11. Equipment cleaning platform AccipiterFlightcage completed

14 Raptor Rehabilitation Center Features Accipiter Cages For small to medium raptors including Mississippi Kites and accipiters (a family of small hawks) Two - 10 x 30 cages plus an airlock This caging has been donated Medium Flight cages For raptors such as Barn and Barred Owls and Red-shouldered Hawks Four - 12 x 30 cages, with airlocks for each two cages This caging has been donated

15 Raptor Rehabilitation Center Features Small bird cages For small raptors including owls, and falcons Four - 6 x 8 limited activity cages to allow birds to regain strength and acclimate to weather One - Airlock 8 x 24 for access to limited activity cages Four - 8 x 24 flight cages in groups of two with an airlock for each group. Used for exercise and prey-testing before release.

16 Raptor Rehabilitation Center Features Eagle Large Bird/Eagle Flight cages For large raptors including hawks, owls and falcons. 1. Four - 20 x 50 flight cages for full flight and prey-testing. Each two cages has an airlock for access. 2. Eight - 10 x 12 limited activity cages to regain strength and acclimate to the weather 3. Airlock for access to work areas and limited activity cages 4. Two work areas for equipment and accessing birds For Eagles One - 20 x 100 flight cage with 90 degree right angle to make sure eagles get appropriate exercise and prey-testing. Two airlocks for access.

17 Naming Opportunities The Hospital $11,200 New Roof/skirting $ 3,000 Donated Rehab Computer program $ 1,200 Donated Microscope $ 2,000 Donated Raised walkway to buildings $ 2,000 Donated ICU Metal kennels $ 3,000 The Operations $125,700 Based on the first three years of accepting patients. Costs increase yearly as estimated number of patients increase. Food 1 st year $12,100 Medicine 1 st year $ 3,400 Food 2 nd year $18,400 Medicine 2 nd year $ 5,100 Food 3 rd year $31,000 Medicine 3 rd year $ 6,700 Vet expenses 1 st year $ 1,800 Utilities 1 st year $ 3,200 Vet expenses 2 nd year $ 2,400 Utilities 2 nd year $ 3,400 Vet expenses 3 rd year $ 4,000 Utilities 3 rd year $ 4,200 Staffing 1 st year $10,000 Staffing 2 nd year $ 9,900 Staffing 3 rd year $ 9,800 The Caging Infrastructure $ 3,400 Donated Medium Bird Cages $13,000 Donated Power/water/drainage/ One Cage/ ½ airlock $ 3,250 Donated Low voltage $ 3,400 Donated One cage/ ½ airlock $ 3,250 Donated One cage/ ½ airlock $ 3,250 Donated Accipiter Cages $ 5,900 Donated One cage/ ½ airlock $ 3,250 Donated One cage $ 2,700 Donated One cage $ 2,700 Donated Large Bird/Eagle Cages $90,200 Airlock $ 500 Donated Work area $ 3,000 Work area $ 3,000 Small Bird Cages $ 22,680 One Limited Flight cage $ 1,500 One Limited Flight cage $ 850 One Limited Flight cage $ 1,500 One Limited Flight cage $ 850 One Limited Flight cage $ 1,500 One Limited Flight cage $ 850 One Limited Flight cage $ 1,500 One Limited Flight cage $ 850 One Limited Flight cage $ 1,500 One Limited Flight cage $ 850 One Limited Flight cage $ 1,500 One Limited Flight cage $ 850 One Limited Flight cage $ 1,500 One Limited Flight cage $ 850 One Limited Flight cage $ 1,500 One Limited Flight cage $ 850 One Unlimited Flight cage $ 8,000 One Unlimited Flight cage $ 3,020 One Unlimited Flight cage $ 8,000 One Unlimited Flight cage $ 3,020 One Unlimited Flight cage $ 8,000 One Unlimited Flight cage $ 3,020 One Unlimited Flight cage $ 8,000 One Unlimited Flight cage $ 3,020 Airlock $13,000 Airlock $ 3,800 Eagle cage/airlock $27,500 BPRaptorCenter d/b/a Blackland Prairie Raptor Center is a 501c3 organization as determined by the IRS. Donations are deductible to the extent allowed by law.