RIPLEY WATERFOWL CONSERVANCY
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The Pheasantry

The Ripley Pheasantry - A Progress Report (photos below)
 
With gratitude for the generosity and vision of our beloved donors, and with funds raised at the 2021 Annual Benefit, our soon to be newest exhibit is taking shape at the western edge of the lower field. We thought you might like to see how this project is coming along as we look forward to a Spring 2023 Grand Opening! It's been a process, and despite materials delivery delays, tough, rocky, and very dry ground, paired with step by step construction needs (watching concrete set and dry), we have been steadily at work, bringing this unique enclosure and exhibit to fruition.
 
The Ripley Pheasantry, once completed, will house up to 10 species of these exotic and colorful birds, each inhabiting their own enclosure, designed with safety, comfort, and breeding in mind.
We look forward to sharing this adventure with you and here's what's been happening...

 STAGE 1 - Laying the Foundation
1) Break ground
2) Discover ground is tough, rocky, and hard to dig
3) Keep digging (in bank run gravel)
4) Dig and prepare post holes 6' deep
5) Dig a 4' deep trench along each enclosure wall to sink fencing below ground (pheasants like to dig)
6) Set posts and pour concrete footings
7) Attach 3' tall wire mesh at the bottom of all enclosures to keep predators out and pheasants in
8) Bring in topsoil to back fill posts and trenches and to amend for spring planting
9) Rake and clean up
 
Stage 1 is done and the most laborious tasks have been completed! On to the next...

STAGE 2 - Power, Walls, Roof, etc.
1) Electrical trenches were dug
2) Electrical lines installed
3) Above ground work continues, as wire mesh fencing is secured to the framing, creating the walls and roof for each enclosure
4) Gates and doors to be framed and hung
5) Site barrier installed

Now that the framework is in place, Stage 2 will continue through the winter, as weather permits
 
STAGE 3 - Curb Appeal
1) Electrical outlets and lighting to be installed
2) Enclosures to be outfitted with living plants, rocks, stumps, and trees to enhance each habitat
3) Perching areas, feed stations, and nesting locations will be carefully selected and installed
4) Species and interpretive signage to be added to enhance the visitor and learning experience
 
Like any good project, all that's left will be the finishing touches, as we strive to create a successful and comfortable home for these exquisite birds. We will need to purchase plants, landscaping materials, and some finishing touches. If you would like to contribute to the completion of the Pheasantry, please do so here and thank you very much for your support!

DONATE HERE
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Spring 2023 - Grand Opening!

Please consider a contribution for plantings, final touches, and the completion of the Ripley Pheasantry - Thank you!

DONATE HERE
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© 2020 Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy. All Rights Reserved.


​55 Duck POND ROAD | P.O. Box 210 |
Litchfield, CT 06759

Phone: 860.567.2062 | Fax: 860.567.4369  info@ripleyconservancy.org

  • Home
  • About
    • Ripley Staff
    • Who We Are
    • Career Opportunities
    • New Identity
    • Board of Directors
    • The Collection >
      • Collection Plan
      • Species Guide
  • Visit
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Photography
    • Guided Tours & Field Trips
  • Support
    • Pheasantry
    • Donate
    • Become a Member
    • Partners
  • Education
    • At Home Education: Species Highlight Videos
    • Explore
    • Featured Programs >
      • Avian Ambassadors
      • Wetland Health Inspector
      • Birds on the Brink
      • Duckling Development
      • Birds of a Feather
      • Distance Learning
      • Education Collaboration
      • Microplastic Pollution
      • Ripley and the Girl Scouts
    • Incubator Kits
    • The Reviews Are In
    • Internships >
      • Avian Care and Environmental Education Intern
      • Junior Aviculturist
  • Research
    • Current Research >
      • Institutional
      • State of Connecticut
    • Past Research >
      • Harvard Collaboration
      • Long-Tailed Duck Harvest Survey
      • Eider Nutrient Allocation
  • Conservation Action
  • Upcoming Events
    • Winter Events
  • Newsletter