Welcome the newest resident of the Moreau Lake State Park Nature Center – meet Justin – a non-releasable Barred Owl who was rescued 13 years ago by NYS DEC and US Fish and Wildlife Service Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator, Nancy Kimball. The vision to bring Justin to the Nature Center began last year when a Friend’s member approached Nancy with the idea of being able to house Justin on a semi-permanent basis to further educate and inspire visitors to the Nature Center. Nancy thought it was a great idea so with the enthusiastic support of park management and the Friend’s, a plan was developed to build a raptor enclosure in the side room of the Nature Center.
With funding from the Friend’s and the Stewart’s Holiday Match Program, the Friend’s built the habitat in late winter according to specifications provided by Nancy. Rebecca Mullins, Nature Center Director and Christine Lambert, Environmental Educator, both trained extensively with Nancy in the handling and care of Justin. Christine has since received her NYS License for Wildlife Rehabilitation. The opportunity to house and provide care is under the direct supervision of Nancy following the guidelines of NYS DEC and USFWS.
Justin arrived in early April and has since been acclimated to his new surroundings. The Nature Center staff are creating new programs to introduce Justin and share their knowledge and expertise. The Nature Center is open daily so please take the time to stop by and visit our new “friend” and learn all about his story and that of raptors in general.
The Friend’s and Park Staff are continuing to find ways to bring the natural world closer to you so here we are!
We thank the Stewart’s Holiday Match Program and the community for providing funding to support this very important program.
