Peoria Audubon Society is a chapter of
Affiliate chapter of
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Sanctuary Update Peoria Audubon, through private donations and working with partnerships, including Illinois Audubon Society and the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, was able to establish several local wilidlife and bird habitat sanctuaries: |
Wildlife Sanctuaries - Bird Habitat
Why a Sanctuary? | Why Peoria Audubon? | What Kind of Sanctuary?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 Society initiated a Sanctuary Fund as the first step toward its goal of establishing a sanctuary for birdwatching in Central Illinois. The original and remaining goals for establishing a wildlife sanctuary(s) remain 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 birding 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.
Corporate Matching
Remember that donations to the Peoria Audubon Society 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.