Vol6 Issue2 - March.pdf Apr. 2014 | Page 26

COMMUNITY Last year, a new raptor flight cage replaced one of Oaken Acres’ oldest cages. In addition, a generous donor funded a new mammal predator cage, another group of wild animals many centers do not accept. Pat Marshall Construction was instrumental in building the new enclosures, donating much of his own time. But none of the new cages meet the standards needed for eagles. To remedy that, Oaken Acres’ 2014 project is, “Start Seeing Eagles!” The new cage will be at least 100-feet long to allow for extended flight and pre-release conditioning. It also will be able to be divided into three smaller flight cages for large hawks and owls. Birds of prey were one of the groups with the biggest increase in admissions in the past year. Stelford’s 30 years of experience and exemplary reputation makes her qualified to rehab these giant birds. However, she said without the new cage, she will not 26 PEOPLE receive the permit for eagles. The new cage will cost about $25,000. A benefactor, Caroline, has stepped up and started off the fundraising campaign with a pledge to match all donations up to $10,000. Caroline first came to Oaken Acres several years ago after she had hit a gosling with her car. She is committed to seeing Oaken Acres live up to its potential and Kathy’s dream. “Once my family responsibilities were lessened, I wanted to start donating to animal causes, something I’d always wanted to do but couldn’t afford,” said Caroline. “I have given to the big national organizations but when it comes to who will be there to help ME when I need it—the people at Oaken Acres are who I count on!” DeKalb County residents will have many opportunities to help Oaken Acres. The annual spring fundraiser DEKALB COUNT Y I NV I R O NM ENTS M AGA Z I NE • M A R C H- A P R IL 20 14 “Babies Gone Wild!” is planned April 26, at the Regale Center in Sycamore. A live birds of prey program will be featured along with catering by Taxco Restaurant, live and silent auctions, and a new, homemade soap line called “Dollars & $cents.” Stelford said Oaken Acres is closing in on a pretty impressive number—13,000 injured and orphaned wild animals cared for since 1984. That’s 30 years of saving rescued animals, answering tens of thousands of phone calls about wildlife, educating people about compassion towards wildlife, and training a new generation to continue the mission. BOLD FUTURES: New NIU president’s first productive months on the job D ouglas D. Baker—an award-win- An expert in organizational strategy, ning professor of business, structure and motivation, Baker is working proven high-level admin- to bring NIU to the fore as a national model istrator and scholar of X[