There has been nothing more moving than to have the Center included in honoring or remembering someone who has shared in the appreciation for the value and wonder of wild birds and the Center’s legacy of understanding and protecting them. Over the years, numerous families have offered to have donations in support of the Center serve as a means of honoring a loved one’s life. The immense gratification that those instances create for us is met with an equal measure of difficulty in finding how to adequately express our appreciation. It is that challenge that has prompted a recent addition to the Center’s campus.

In all instances, we have acknowledged these wonderful gestures through letters and personal communication which, while heartfelt, still seemed to fall short of expressing how genuinely touched we are. Thus, the concept of a more visible and permanent means of that expression was born. The physical location for the endeavor, anchored by a young, iconic live oak was a given, as was who was needed to complete the vision. Sheila Wertimer, renowned landscape architect and Center advocate, was the first call. While officially retired, Sheila succumbed to a long-standing friendship in agreeing to hear the conceptual thoughts. An onsite charrette was organized to include some of the most thoughtful and creative minds available anywhere; Reggie Gibson, the Center’s gifted architect, David Boatwright, talented artist and imaginative force, and Gil Shuler, graphic designer with few peers. After presenting our intent, a consensus on the concept was reached and Sheila agreed to lead the vision to fruition.

The outcome is now a serene and peaceful Garden space under the embracing canopy of the charismatic young oak. It is defined by two brick seating walls, topped with individual stone caps that are being engraved for those to be honored and remembered. A permanent space for quiet reflection and meaningful connection. The Contemplative Garden has been fittingly named for Kit Regnery who headed his family’s Joanna Foundation, an early supporter of the Center. The Joanna Foundation trustees awarded a significant grant to the project to honor Kit’s long term commitment to the Center’s mission.

We hope that many who visit will discover this quiet place that holds so much meaning for those of us who conduct the Center’s work each day, strengthened by the by the deep and lasting connections that we build together.