Vistiors Flock to Sylvan Heights Bird Park

Mission Statement & Purpose
The Sylvan Heights Bird Park is dedicated to educating people about the importance of conservation and research, focusing on waterfowl and wetland habitats.

The organization lists 10 purposes and objectives:
1. To provide public education about the waterfowl of the world and the role the many and varied species play in the ecosystem.
2. To engage the public in waterfowl conservation and the preservation of habitat.
3. To provide a world-class destination for school and other groups with a special emphasis on reaching out to underserved populations and high-risk children.
4. To develop science curriculum-based programs for school children in an effort to expand their educational experiences and make them aware of career opportunities.
5. To interpret and build on the strong traditions and history related to waterfowl in North Carolina.
6. To foster waterfowl research, provide facilities to carry out captive research, and provide a research library to support these activities.
7. To provide a forum for public policy related to waterfowl and advise governmental authorities when appropriate to protect, foster and advance the rights and interests of those engaged in the keeping and rearing of wild waterfowl for scientific, recreational, commercial, and hobby purposes.
8. To place special emphasis on the captive propagation of rare and endangered waterfowl.
9. To engage in joint ventures with like-minded organizations or individuals to further the collective knowledge and conservation of waterfowl.
10. To evaluate the effectiveness of park programs.

Injured Wildlife

Sylvan Heights Bird Park asks that individuals do not bring injured or orphaned wild birds to the facility.

“We do not have the space at our facility to take care of these birds, and they pose a potential health danger to our birds,” Mike Lubbock says. “In many cases, it is best to leave wildlife alone.”

Lubbock suggests individuals contact a wildlife rehabilitator or animal control officials before attempting to take in a wild animal.

“If the animal is already in your possession, please call a licensed rehabilitator as soon as possible,” he says. Take a look at a video of the park below:

Education Programs
Programs are designed to engage students at their grade level and are offered within these school grade groupings: kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth grade, sixth through eighth grade and high school students.

Programs range in length from one and a half to three hours. The topics include:

• The World of Birds: Learn about the unique characteristics of birds.
• Wetland Adventure: Understand the valuable functions of wetlands and the organisms that live there. Participate in the collection of field data.
• Environmental Connections: Develop an appreciation of the world around you. Discover plants and animals, their interactions, and how integral they are to human survival.
• Outdoor Science: Bring science alive as your students use a compass.