Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park & Eco-Center

 

The Vision

Mike and Ali Lubbock have embarked on a mission they could only dream about a few years ago— to make Sylvan Heights not only the premier waterfowl conservation and breeding preserve in North America, but also a center for educating students and families about wildlife and the environment. The first step of this expanded mission was taken in February 2004, when the North Carolina Zoological Society purchased the 18 acres of woodland and cypress swamp adjoining the current facility. 

                                               (View Design)      (Project Updates)

 

Conservation Theme

Part of the new land will be developed into a visitors’ area with a variety of exhibits showcasing waterfowl and other exotic birds. Plans include a two-story building that will serve as an education center and library, where numerous conservation-oriented programs will be presented. A portion of the land will be preserved as a nature sanctuary.  

 

There’s also a wetlands habitat that is home to beavers, woodpeckers and a diversity of reptiles and amphibians. A large picnic shelter and children’s playground will provide school groups and families with a place to have a leisurely break during their eco-tour or walk through the nature preserve.

 

Outdoor Exhibits

Connected by pathways through shaded pine and magnolia woodlands, outdoor aviaries will be based on a continental theme, allowing visitors to view waterfowl native to North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Australia. Other exhibits will feature endangered waterfowl species and exotic birds, such as emus, cranes, toucans, flamingos, kookaburras and touracos.

   

 

Interactive Exhibits

Sylvan Heights’ recently developed First in Flight Bird Education Program will be presented at a state of the art outdoor avian theater, where visitors get up-close and personal with a variety of waterfowl and exotic birds from around the world. Education Stations, located at various points on the grounds, offer additional opportunities for guests to meet birds one on one. A portion of the property is heavily wooded and includes a pristine wetland area that will be preserved as an “ecological laboratory” for student projects and wildlife observation.  

 

Botanical Gardens

Prior to the design of the Eco-Center property, a landscape architect conducted a site analysis. The report indicated that in addition to the pristine cypress-tupelo swamp habitat located on a section of the land, there were also numerous plant specimens that needed to be preserved, including some magnolia trees which approach the state record for size.

 

Due to the diverse and beautiful flora existing on the grounds, a botanical garden project will be initiated in conjunction with the avian exhibits so visitors can appreciate and learn of the interdependent relationship of plants and wildlife.    

 

Education Center/Waterfowl Library

The primary goal of the new expansion is to provide enjoyable ways for visitors to learn the importance of being involved in the conservation of wildlife and natural habitat. Special programs designed to provide an entertaining learning experience will be conducted in the Center’s large multipurpose auditorium. There will also be a gift shop, restrooms and other wildlife exhibits, including a display of the Lubbock’s valuable collection of avian artwork.

 

It is anticipated that the Lubbock Waterfowl Library will become a hub for coordinated conservation projects designed to preserve endangered waterfowl around the world. In order to meet this important conservation goal, the second floor of the building will contain a suite for visiting wildlife professionals, complete with a library/conference room, office, kitchen and lounge.

 

Your Help is Appreciated

Our supporters believe that developing Sylvan Heights as a conservation-education epicenter in the region, along with Mike’s international renown as an avian expert, will attract sizable numbers of visitors interested in bird programs or conservation seminars, ecology-oriented educators, wildlife and environmental groups, as well as tour groups and conferences of various types.  The revenue generated by the Eco-Center will be used to raise and care for all the birds living at the preserve and to conduct global conservation projects critical to the survival of many waterfowl species.

 

In order to make Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Center the success the Lubbock’s envision, they respectfully ask for financial support from those who share their love for preserving endangered waterfowl species and educating the public on the importance of habitat conservation. The Lubbock’s truly believe that the benefits of their conservation mission will be enjoyed by many future generations of wildlife enthusiasts.                                                                                                                                  

Those interested in making the Sylvan Heights’ new mission a reality are cordially invited to donate to the Sylvan Heights Capital Campaign, administered by the North Carolina Zoological Society. Donations of any amount are welcome. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For information, please contact Cheryl Turner, 800-488-0444, extension 7284 or by email: cturner@nczoo.com.  

                                                                                                

 

Other Conservation Efforts

To see more of the fascinating work in other conservation efforts by Mike Lubbock, click here.