The Facility
The 152-acre Avian Conservation Center site is surrounded by the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and the Francis Marion National Forest. It is easily accessible from U.S. Highway 17.
The property is functionally divided into two tracts: one open to the public for educational purposes and the other designated for avian medicine and research with access limited to staff, researchers, students and interns.
Avian Medical Clinic and the South Carolina Oiled Bird Treatment Facility
The Center’s 7000 square-foot Avian Medical Center and Oiled Bird Treatment Facility is designed and equipped to provide the highest quality medical care available for injured or orphaned birds of prey and shorebirds on a daily basis. The only one of its kind on the East Coast, the expanded facility will provide the most efficient response possible in the event of a contaminant spill affecting native bird populations and their fragile breading habitats along the South Atlantic coast.
Along with its principal objective of serving a substantial portion of the South Atlantic coastal region in the event of a contaminant spill emergency, the Center also plays a vital role in creating ongoing awareness of the ecological impacts of a spill and the proactive measures available to reduce the likelihood of such an event. The facility is also used as a training facility for personnel involved in avian medicine for wild birds and contaminant spill response activities.
Education, Science and Conservation
On-site and outreach educational programs incorporate standards-based instruction for elementary, intermediate and high school students. Particular emphasis has been placed on developing multi-disciplined undergraduate and graduate level instruction. Hands-on experience and internships are available on a limited basis for students at undergraduate and graduate levels. Instruction and training are also available for educators, scholars, natural resource professionals, veterinarians and other professionals.
Display/Public Area
A portion of the Center's site is available to the general public for educational purposes. Visitors can enjoy a natural setting in which to observe many species of birds of prey. The property includes two flying fields where birds are presented in free flight, a compelling and profound learning experience.
