Established in 2006, Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and Eco-Center grew out of a desire to preserve endangered waterfowl species and educate the public on the importance of habitat conservation. The Park provides training for wildlife professionals and college students, schoolchildren and families.
Situated on 18 acres of woodland and cypress swamp originally purchased by the North Carolina Zoological Society, the Park adjoins Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Center, a premier avian conservation center dedicated to the survival of the world’s waterfowl species, in both the wild and in zoological and private collections. The Center is home to more than 180 species of birds and boasts the world's largest collection of waterfowl, including many rare and endangered species.
Scotland Neck has proven to be the ideal location for Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and Eco-Center’s. Within driving distance of the Raleigh-Durham area, the Park is accessible to area universities and easy to be reached by international visitors. The climate is ideal for the geographically diverse birds living at the preserve.
Scotland Neck is a few miles from the Roanoke River, a protected waterway that attracts many thousands of migrating ducks, geese and swans to North Carolina’s coastal plain. Cypress-tupelo swamp forests and wetlands that surround the town provide winter homes for many bird species as well as unparalleled wildlife observation.
The Park provides conservation-oriented programs and avian exhibits to the public as well as advanced training programs to wildlife professionals. Visitors find themselves “nose-to-beak” with rare and exotic birds at a variety of interactive and outdoor exhibits.
With initial funding from Resourceful Communities’ Creating New Economies Fund grant program, development of the Park’s second phase was launched. Funding from the Rural Center, Department of Justice and Cannon Foundation support the Park as well. A strong and continuing partnership with the NC Zoological Society supports the Park’s fundraising efforts and membership program. To date, more than $400,000 has been secured. More than 17,000 visitors tour the area annually, and the Park has created 174 place-based jobs, including internships and seasonal positions.
To plan a visit, go to Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and Eco-Center.
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The Conservation Fund
Post Office Box 271
Chapel Hill, NC 27514-0271
Phone: 919.967.2223
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