Open Door Bird Sanctuary’s Ribbon Cutting is Aug. 10

For the last three and a half years, Open Door Bird Sanctuary (ODBS) has been fundraising to purchase the land it resides on. Courtesy of generous donations and revenue generated from its Hoot-e-Nanny annual fundraiser, the sanctuary made the final payment in June to hold the land free and clear. 

To celebrate, Open Door will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 10, 11-11:45 am, which will include a brief meet-and-greet with resident birds. The sanctuary’s regular hours, 12-4 pm, will follow, with a full program at 1 pm and optional guided hikes at 2:30 pm. The sanctuary will also debut its new Nature Center: a small, mobile, cabin-type structure that can be used for other purposes on the property.

The Hoot-e-Nanny fundraiser, held annually at Woodwalk Gallery, has provided nearly half of the funds needed to purchase the land, but this year, Open Door will devote the funds to creating its first paid staff position. Rob Hults, executive director and director of avian training, will continue his role, starting full time in 2020.

This year’s Hoot-e-Nanny, to be held Aug. 22, will be an evening of live music with an auction and dinner prepared by Alexander’s of Fish Creek. The event will start at 5 pm with the chance to meet a couple of ODBS residents and beneficiaries. To learn more, contact Jillaine Burton Seefeldt at [email protected] or visit opendoorbirdsanctuary.org. The registration deadline has been extended to Aug. 15.