Peoria Audubon Society is a local affiliate of both:
National Audubon Society & Illinois Audubon Society
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Sanctuary Update Thanks to generous contributors and six annual fundraisers, the Sanctuary Fund now exceeds $30,000. This of course is not enough to entirely finance such a large project, but it is enough to be considered seed money for grant proposals. The Peoria Audubon board established a sub-committee with the responsibility for this initiative. The sanctuary committee has begun the process of evaluating potential wetland sites. A potential site was selected, from nine candidates. However, the recent economic downturn and political uncertainty has caused a delay in our moving forward. The Sanctuary Committee is again meeting to develop a strategic plan on moving forward. We now hope to make an announcement on Peoriaaudubon.org and at a Peoria Audubon meeting sometime in late 2012 or 2013. |
Sanctuary News
Why a Sanctuary? | Why Peoria Audubon? | What Kind of Sanctuary? |Why a Sanctuary Fund? | Make a Donation | Brochure
The Illinois River valley is a critical migratory corridor for both land and water birds, connecting southern wintering areas with northern breeding ranges. During migration, these birds rely on the wide Peoria Lakes and forested river bluffs to feed and rest. The Illinois River valley is also home to over one hundred breeding bird species who use wetlands, forests, and prairies to nest and raise young.
As development has pushed the boundaries of our cities and suburbs further into rural areas, habitat for birds has correspondingly dwindled. Peoria Audubon's Sanctuary Initiative is working to reverse this trend.
Why a Sanctuary?
In 2000, Peoria Audubon initiated a Sanctuary Fund as the first step toward its goal of establishing a sanctuary for birdwatching in Central Illinois. The goals for the sanctuary are to:
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Protect birds and bird habitat.
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Provide the public with a quality wildlife watching experience.
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Educate the public about birds, their role in Central Illinois ecosystems, and their conservation needs.
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Demonstrate effective bird conservation practices.
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Promote Central Illinois as a destination for eco-tourism.
Peoria Audubon is committed to partnering with other local, state, and national organizations as necessary to turn this goal into a reality. Peoria Audubon believes that a local Audubon sanctuary can fill an important role in Central Illinois and, in the end, will further the efforts of all groups dedicated to preserving what remains of our natural heritage.
Why Peoria Audubon?
Peoria Audubon believes the next decade will provide unique opportunities for protecting bird habitat in Central Illinois.
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Peoria Audubon has a long tradition of advocacy for birds, bird habitat, and the Illinois River. A sanctuary is a natural complement to these efforts.
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Peoria Audubon continues to be the definitive source of information about Central Illinois Bird populations through its Spring and Christmas bird counts, breeding bird surveys, and the new Central Illinois River Census. This knowledge is essential for selecting and managing an effective bird sanctuary.
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Peoria Audubon, with its directed focus on birds, is well-positioned to partner with area tourism groups and capitalize on the growing popularity of birdwatching and events such as Central Illinois Eagle Day.
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Peoria Audubon is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to birds, bird habitat, and bird conservation.
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Peoria Audubon is a chapter of National Audubon and an affiliate of Illinois Audubon, and able to tap resources at the state and national level.
What Kind of Sanctuary?
Peoria Audubon has decided to initially look for a sanctuary property that fits the following criteria:
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Preferably wetland habitat.
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Of a size and potential quality to be of "ecological value" with high quality breeding and migratory bird habitat.
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Accessible for public wildlife viewing.
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Within 20-30 miles of Peoria.
Why a Sanctuary Fund?
In 2000, Peoria Audubon initiated two funds managed by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois. The Peoria Audubon Non-Endowed Fund will be used to purchase a Central Illinois bird sanctuary once a suitable location is found and adequate funds are available. The Peoria Audubon Endowed Fund is a capital fund that will be used to generate income for ongoing maintenance of a sanctuary.
The funds are intended to:
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Provide accountability to donors and ensure that contributions are used for sanctuary acquisition and maintenance.
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Ensure professional investment management and conformance with all related accounting and tax requirements.
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Improve Peoria Audubon’s ability to accept non-cash donations, including stocks, bonds, land, and other assets. (Contact the Community Foundation of Central Illinois at 309-674-8730 for more information.)
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Enhance Peoria Audubon’s fund-raising ability and sharpen the focus of annual efforts such as the March Auction and the November Birdseed Sale.
Make a Donation
The Peoria Audubon Sanctuary Funds are managed by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois. Donations can be made to the Peoria Audubon Non-Endowed Fund for purchase of a Central Illinois bird sanctuary once a suitable location is found and adequate funds are available. Donations can also be made to the Peoria Audubon Endowed Fund, a capital fund that will be used to generate income for ongoing maintenance of a sanctuary .
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Send contributions to:
Community Foundation of Central Illinois |
A Donation Form is available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
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Corporate Matching
Remember that donations to the Sanctuary Fund are tax-deductible, and that several employers, including Caterpillar and State Farm will match donations. Caterpillar matching gift forms can be found at: Caterpillar Matching Gifts Program.
Peoria Audubon is incorporated in the State of Illinois with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, making all charitable contributions tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.