Migrating ducks and geese, pelicans
and a host of other wildlife occupy the
space, sometimes year-round, and add
living value to the environment as a vital
sanctuary.
“This is much more than a storm water
retention pond,” Weir said. “We have
created an oasis of biodiversity in an
essentially semi-arid environment. Looking
at it today, you would hardly believe that
at one time the area where the Centre is
located was a flood-prone field that was
generally unusable.”
Among the many partners Weir
describes are a number of public and
private donors who have generously
supported the ongoing operation of the
facility, not just helping with big projects
like wetland development, but with
everyday items like buying bird food.
Unknown to many people, there is no
ongoing government support or subsidy.
The Alberta Birds of Prey Centre is funded
entirely by private donations, admission
fees and education program revenues.
Grants from corporate and charitable
sources help with bigger capital projects.
A recent investment by the
Community Foundation of Lethbridge
and Southwestern Alberta will fund the
construction of a large staircase to the
front entrance of the almost decade-old
Natural History building, significantly
improving its access and appearance.
Lieverse said that visiting the Birds of
Prey Centre has helped her students put
their other experiences with nature and
the arts into perspective.
“When the students have the
opportunity to visit the Centre again, they
will also connect the park, coulee, river
and prairie as a place where the birds
of prey belong. Who knows where ]