New Search
feathers, volunteer training classes; building bird houses or viewing blinds (as well as <br /> in the outside picnic areas). The classroom/meeting room would also be available to <br /> other community groups. <br /> Gift Shop. The Gift Shop, once funding permits, will stock educational and souvenir <br /> items depicting the resident birds, photographs and posters, field guides and other <br /> nature books, t- shirts and jewelery with appropriate motifs, bird and bat houses. The <br /> gift shop will provide hands -on activities for seniors and other volunteers not interest- <br /> ed in direct animal involvement. Net proceeds will help support both the Nature and <br /> Care Centers. <br /> Public Restrooms. For the restrooms, water will be piped from the well and a <br /> propane, tankless hot water heater installed; sink water would be pumped to the septic <br /> system or a grey water collection tank installed. Chemical (e.g., at Mt Pisgah <br /> Arboretum) or composting (e.g., at Dorris Ranch) toilets could be installed if hooking <br /> regular toilets to the septic system would be cost prohibitive or risk overloading the <br /> septic system; restrooms will be built to meet handicapped standards. The construc- <br /> tion of such a facility in an ecologically sound way would in itself be a positive educa- <br /> tional model. <br /> Picnic Area and Shelter. On the edge of the long meadow, across the driveway but <br /> not far from the Interpretive Center, picnic tables will be available for class or family <br /> activities; the carport near the main buildings will also be braced (a contractor's <br /> opinion finds it quite sturdy although it decidedly leans) and will have tables installed <br /> for construction activities, outdoor classes, or picnics. A very imporant part of any <br /> visit will be learning to leave the area unmarked; visitors will be encouraged to use <br /> recyclable materials, to carry away everything that they brought in, or to contribute <br /> towards the costs of refuse collection and processing. No fires or barbecues will be <br /> permitted. <br /> D. Rehabilitation Area. Birds undergoing rehabilitation, both by law and in keeping <br /> with their need for a low- stress, healing environment, would not be on public display, <br /> nor would the Care Center be open to the public. Similarly, birds in rehabilitation <br /> enclosures would be off limits to all but staff. Once funding allows, CRCC will <br /> install closed circuit video monitors in these off -limit areas so that the public can non- <br /> intrusively watch, for example, the feeding of orphans, the physical examination or <br /> treatment of a bird in care. These monitors will also assist staff in observing surro- <br /> gate parenting (another way in which we use our education birds, along with their <br /> acting as blood donors for critical patients), hunting success, or interaction within an <br /> enclosure. The off - limits section will be fenced, with signs clearly explaining the <br /> need for privacy and quiet in the area. <br /> Care Center. Although usable as is on a temporary basis, the Care Center will be <br /> improved with cleanable, hygienic flooring and wall coverings, such as linoleum or <br /> formica; a sink in the kitchen; increased ventilation to protect the health of animals in <br /> care, as well as volunteers; improved lighting in all areas; sturdy cabinets and shelv- <br /> ing. Deficiencies in the bathroom and seepage problems along back wall will be <br /> corrected in accordance with the City's required schedule. The Care Center doorway <br /> Cascades Raptor Care Center Proposal 5 <br />