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!
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!
© 2020 Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy. All Rights Reserved.
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