The American Bald Eagle Foundation has received a $49,000 Foraker Group grant for pre-development services toward a project that will create a “natural area” east of the foundation building.
The grant will assist the foundation on a project that will replace mews with new ones for eagles, owls and other birds in a park-like setting. Executive director Cheryl McRoberts said this week the foundation is hoping to complete the project for under $300,000.
In an email, foundation education and outreach coordinator Leia Minch said the foundation will look to raptor centers in Sitka and Eugene, Ore., for inspiration for the project.
“Ultimately, we want to have a picturesque raptor and nature center, a place where guests can wander around on their own and enjoy the beauty of these animals, and Southeast Alaska,” Minch said.
The project is expected to attract more visitors to the center “but also further our mission of having people care about and appreciate the bald eagle and all the species that are interconnected with it.”
Minch said she has requested expertise on landscape architecture in Southeast.