There are many times at CNC when we need not only people power but donations of skilled labor and materials. Twice now, Jay Bell, of Bell Development, has donated lumber for several of our Wildlife Wanderland projects. These very kind donations allow us to build new features that enrich our visitor experience and provide enclosures for our animals. Because of Jay’s generosity, we have been able to build a life-size eagle nest that reaches into the trees for a genuine eagle nest experience. We’ve also built enclosures that enrich our animal ambassadors’ lives providing them with bigger and better mews that are easier to clean and easier on the eye. A HUGE thanks to Jay Bell for his generosity and continued support of our mission.

Billy Ewton with Ewton Fence Company has donated hours and hours of his time and labor as well as fencing materials. He has built and repaired many feet of fencing and recently donated his labor, time and materials to build an off-exhibit, outdoor, warm weather enclosure for our woodchuck. This much needed, new enclosure allows the woodchuck to spend beautiful summer days outside digging happily in his new home! This enclosure will also double as an opossum enclosure when the woodchuck is not at home. MANY thanks to Billy Ewton for taking care of all our fencing needs and for his love of the Nature Center!

Chuck Harbin came by the Nature Center one day and filled out a volunteer form. When we saw his extensive building background with animal enclosures, we asked if he would be willing to build one of the new enclosures made possible by the recent lumber donation from Bell Development. He and his sons, Ryan and Adam have been working very hard ever since! We are incredibly fortunate to find such a generous and talented family to take on this very large task. Chuck’s building skills have created an awesome new enclosure for our barn owls and our great-horned female owl, who will be much more visible to the public. This enclosure allowed us to move some birds around into new spaces and free up some space as well.

THANK YOU SO MUCH to Chuck, Ryan and Adam, for their dedication, skills and willingness to work in the heat so our animal ambassadors can live in luxury!