Wildcat Park center is a go, says National Audubon
November 18, 2005


The unveiling of the Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center sign in Wildcat Park, Joplin yesterday commemorates a milestone in the center's capital campaign. Pulling off the covering is Logan Stanley. Others in the picture are (L-R): Joplin Councilman Jon Tupper, Fred Osborne, and Director Tony Robyn. Part of the ceremony but not pictured are Mark Williams, Anthony Kassab and Chairperson Janet Garvin.

Moving forward towards breaking ground, those active in making the Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center a reality met in Wildcat Park, Joplin yesterday to commemorate the occasion. $4 million of the estimated $5.5 million needed for development has been secured allowing the board of directors of the National Audubon Society to give a green light to the project's financial plan. An additional $1 million for the center secured by Senator Kit Bond in the fiscal year 2006 Transportation-Treasury-HUD Appropriations bill is awaiting House and Senate approval.

"There have been lots of bumps," commented Janet Garvin, chairperson of a board of 8 other members. "I didn't think we'd get to this day."

The top contributors to the project so far include a $2 million matching contribution from the Missouri Department of Conservation, $900,000 from the De Shazer Trust, $500,000 from the City of Joplin and $100,000 from Freeman Hospital. Many local businessmen were thanked for their financial assistance.

Tony W. Robyn, executive director of the Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center shows off a non-venomous speckled kingsnake that was brought to the event. Separate containers held the snake, a Missouri tarantula and a giant redheaded centipede.

 

The 10,300 sq. ft. green structure is designed to have three classrooms, a seminar hall, a special aquarium and a large collared lizard terrarium. Late 2006 is the targeted date of completion.

A trail partially funded by the Rotary Club begins at the future building and continues for .19 miles, goes in a loop for .63 miles, then follows Shoal Creek across the Redings Mill Bridge, ending at the Wildcat Chert Glade.


Sarah McCoy introduces an owl from the Nature Reach Program of Pittsburg State University. McCoy comes with the message that her university is looking forward to the center's development.

Speaking extemporaneously on behalf of the City of Joplin was Mayor Pro Tem Jon Tupper who described the park as a "well kept secret." He noted the significance of the center not just for Joplin but as a facility for the entire surrounding area.

Charley Burwick, president of the Missouri Audubon Society since 1999, said he grew up around Shoal Creek in Joplin. He said it was easy for him to get the vision for an environmental center.

"We like fresh air, clean water," he said, implying that the center would play a role in insuring a better quality of living.

 

Burwick outlined three of the national Audubon Center's strategic goals that he said would be promoted on a grass roots level through the center. They were to connect with nature, to learn about the environment and to instill a conservation ethic.

In conclusion, Burwick, in noting the significance of preserving the chert glades surrounding Wildcat Park, quoted noted environmentalist, Aldo Leopold:

A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.

"The chert glades meet that goal," he noted.


Latest fundraiser announced

Individuals and businesses can showcase their support and contribution by purchasing a stone that permanently will be placed in the walkways and patios around the Audubon Center. The stone will be etched in black with a name or company logo. The inscription can be up to three lines of copy and up to 15 letters per line. Three sizes are available: Large with corporate logo ($1,000), large ($500), medium ($250) and small with two lines maximum ($100). For an application form please phone (417) 623-2211.

Note: Illustration above shows engraving larger than mandated 15 letter maximum.

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