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Centers & Sanctuaries
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Audubon on the Mississippi River at St. Louis
Just the Facts
What is the Audubon Center/Audubon Ark?
The Audubon Center/Audubon Ark will be part of a special network of Audubon Centers nationwide. It will include a 6,000 square foot nature center with an 80-passenger riverboat dubbed the "Audubon Ark." The Ark will be the only riverboat in the St. Louis region dedicated to the ecology of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.
Where will the center be located?
The center, Ark and homeport docking will be located at the west end of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge with remote docking ports at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area and Jones Confluence State Park.
Why the Chain of Rocks Bridge site?
Formerly part of the fabled Route 66, the Chain of Rocks Bridge is now a popular pedestrian bridge and a major connector on the Riverfront Trail. As such, it provides Audubon an ideal opportunity to integrate with existing and future projects at the site and bring more excitement to the area.
The site is also immediately accessible from I-270 making it 30-minute drive from most anywhere in the region. Moreover, this location allows us to link people to nearby partner projects, such as the habitat restoration at Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area and Jones Confluence State Park.
What is the purpose of the Center and Ark?
Audubon is committed to protecting the most important habitats for birds and other wildlife. As an internationally significant migratory flyway, the Mississippi River and its environs provide critical habitat for hundreds of bird species.
The Audubon Center/Audubon Ark will allow the citizens of the St. Louis region (one of the largest metropolitan areas on the Mississippi River) to re-connect to their river heritage. We want to enable people of all ages, backgrounds and ability to build a deeper appreciation for the river and its contribution to their quality of life in addition to the river’s importance to a large diversity of wildlife.
What programs will you offer?
Our plan is to provide year round hands-on activities that foster a greater understanding of the river and enable the citizens of the St. Louis region to take conservation action on behalf of the river and the birds and wildlife it sustains. For example:
- Tours of our national two greatest rivers aboard the Ark
- Fun an interactive exhibits about the Mississippi River Flyway
- Hands-on learning experiences such as seining, water testing, wetland restoration
- Nature hikes, stargazing and bird watching
- Annual Bird Festival
- Connection to conservation activities at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area and Jones Confluence State Park
- River ecology curriculum for area schools
What will it cost to build the center and boat?
The center, boat, docking and program development will cost roughly $7.5 million, which includes a $2 million endowment. The center will be designed and constructed to meet LEED certified "green building" standards.
Why an endowment?
We conducted a comprehensive financial analysis, which revealed among other important findings that interest income generated by a $2 million endowment combined with memberships, admission fees, and annual donations would enable us to sustain a vibrant operation for the long term. We plan to increase the endowment steadily over time.
When will the center open?
Our goal is to open the center complete with Ark and programming in 2008.
How can I help?
You can help by making a donation today to help with start up and construction. You can send your tax-deductible contribution to:
Audubon Missouri
State Office Headquarters
Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center
201 West Riviera Drive, Ste. A
Joplin, MO 64804
Whom can I contact for more information?
Tony Robyn, State Executive Director
Audubon Missouri
State Office Headquarters
Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center
201 West Riviera Drive, Ste. A
Joplin, MO 64804
Tel: 417-623-2211
Fax: 417-623-2288
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