When the naturalist staff moved to the new Earth Discovery Center (EDC) this past June, work began immediately to convert the former Nature Center into a new Ornithology Center.  However, unlike the EDC project, the Ornithology Center (OC) project is not being done by an outside contractor.  Instead, the future manager of the OC, Kevin Carlsen  is employing his extensive construction background and, with the help of volunteers,  completely remodeling the former Nature Center building into a state-of-the-art facility devoted exclusively to the study of birds.  This approach will represent huge savings in construction and allow a much better result because the only costs are for materials and the technology and equipment needed in the OC.  The timetable on the project is right on schedule and the OC is planned to open in July 2008.  

   Eagle Creek Park has long been recognized as one of the premier birding sites in the nation.  People travel from all over the country to experience the variety of migrating and native birds found in the park.  Some 270 species have been identified and a few years ago when a rare Artic Tern was spotted in the park visitors came from as far away as Europe to see the bird.  The new Ornithology Center will provide children and adults with educational, hands –on opportunities to experience and learn about birds in their natural habitat.  Programming will focus on school groups during the week and families and adults on weekends.  It is estimated that 50,000 people will visit the new Ornithology Center each year.

   Birds have attracted the interest of more people than any other living thing because of the variety and vividness of their colors, the beauty of their voices and their fascinating behavior. In 1983 it was estimated that there were 21 million birders – in 2004 there were over 83 million. This is a (275%) growth in the past twenty years.

   Birding is one of the most popular outdoor activities. Other popular activities in the survey were: walking for pleasure, visiting nature centers, picnicking, viewing and

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Volume 24 Issue 1

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   In addition to raising funds for the OC there are many areas of the park that will require attention.  Plans are already in place to freshen up the fitness trail and create the Edesses Trail.  It’s obvious that work needs to be done on the Lilly Lake Dam and the bridge below and planning has begun on the Westside of the Park as a vehicle free nature experience.  It is interesting to note that of the 194 parks that make up Indy Parks the 5,200 acres of land and water of Eagle Creek Park represent almost 50% of the acreage.  With city budgets being tightened it becomes absolutely vital that the people who use the park and enjoy the park, support the park.

      As we enter into 2008 we hope you will take the opportunity to visit Eagle Creek Park often.  We know that there are many different interests represented in Eagle Creek Park Foundation memberships.  For some it may be bird watching, hiking trails and communing with nature.  For others it may be fishing, canoeing or sailing.  And for still others it may be cycling, running, swimming or training.   When we interviewed park users this summer the common answers we received were varied, but almost all of them began with, “It’s my place to…”  Park users at Eagle Creek Park view the park with a sense of ownership and as owners they want to keep the park from harm and make the park a better place.  That is precisely why the Eagle Creek Park Foundation exists.  Our mission statement states, “The Eagle Creek Park Foundation provides volunteers and financial support to enhance, promote, preserve and protect Eagle Creek Park.”  Our purpose is to help make your park a better place and keep it from harm.  So, as we enter into 2008, with your help, we will take on the challenge of fund raising to meet the needs of the nation’s 6^th largest city-owned park with the goal of making “Your Place” the best it can be.

Creating the Ornithology Center

by Jim Weir, Executive Director