HISTORY AND FACTS
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The mission of the Ohio Bird Sanctuary is to preserve the biodiversity of Ohio through education, rehabilitation, and stewardship. The Sanctuary strives to fulfill the mission through the pursuit of three main goals: 1) Inspire individuals to be good stewards of the natural environment. 2) Create an opportunity for all people to experience the wonders of nature. 3) Provide humane and professional care for Ohio's native bird species.

The Ohio Bird Sanctuary was founded in 1988 by Executive Director, Gail Laux. The Sanctuary was originally operated from the private property of the Lauxs. The Bird Sanctuary signed a fifteen-year renewable lease with the Heart of Ohio Boy Scout Council in 1995 to create a public facility at the site of Camp Avery Hand. Through public, private and foundation support the Sanctuary developed a public facility that opened the summer of 1999. The public facility includes a Visitor's Center with classroom, gift area and restrooms. Schools and the public may utilize and outdoor picnic site and 52 acres of trails.

FUN STUFF

The Sanctuary staff and the education birds travel state wide to inspire students and adults to be good stewards to their environment. The Sanctuary hosts bus loads of school children each year to explore the wonder of nature. The Sanctuary is also a great place to bring your family. Nature trails wind through 52 acres of woods and marsh. The visitors center, outdoor theater and entire live birds display area is accessible by a brick walk way. Forty birds that cannot be returned to the wild call the sanctuary home. Nine species of birds of prey including our national emblem, the Bald Eagle reside in large display areas. If you are a fan of songbirds you will enjoy the walk through songbird aviary where birds will alight on your hand in search of food.

The Ohio Bird Sanctuary is also a bird rehabilitation facility. The staff and volunteers provide care to injured and orphaned birds in hopes of returning them to their rightful place in the wild.

Map - Ohio Bird Sanctuary