ViewBird’sEye

• Emma Eccles Jones Foundation Steps Up• News from the Jordan River• The ALSAM Foundation and a Continuing Partnership • Trudy & Jim Westerman join the Heritage Society

& BOTANICAL GARDEN

What’s Inside

Conservation, Education, Community

SPRING 2021

Dear Friends,Many of us are negotiating our way through worrisome events and situations much more frequently than we ever have before. It is understandable that one might succumb to feelings of despair inspired by any number of huge

issues, from climate change and the extinction crisis playing out right in front of our eyes, to an increasingly divided country. The less fortunate are facing issues with food security, employment, and health. And everyone in the world is living changed lives because of the pandemic.

Years ago, following a presentation about an organization’s work with families dealing with cancer treatment, I confessed to the presenter that I was struggling to see how

the work Tracy Aviary does is anywhere near as import-ant as the work of their organization. He was quick with a response that I’ll never forget. He told me that Tracy Aviary makes life worth living. That once someone beats cancer they want opportunities to find beauty and be inspired with the mysteries of life, to visit places with friends and families, to create lasting memories, and to engage with groups that are making a positive difference in our community.

In these anxiety rich days I often think of his response. Being an outstanding community partner is one of three strategic priorities embraced by Tracy Aviary. At times this means sharing our spaces in Liberty Park and along the Jordan River with other community groups. At other times it means contributing time, treasure or talent to a particular effort. Every day it means providing a safe, fun, and beautiful opportunity to connect with nature and to escape the worries around us, even if only for minutes.

I hope to see you down here soon.

Message from the Nest

BOARD OF TRUSTEESKristi Ragsdale, Chair Eva Carlston AcademyMike Keller, Past ChairFabian VanCott John Malooly, TreasurerWasatch AdvisorsMelanie Battistone, SecretaryThe Waterford SchoolReza AhmadiEmergent SolutionsVicki Bennett Salt Lake City Corporation John BergersonRaymond James Ashley ClevelandMillcreek CityAlyssha DairsowCurly Me!Jim DreyfousCivic VolunteerMetta DriscollZions BancorporationMaria EstradaThe Collective 180Jaime GomezUnivisionDarris HoweUniversity of PhoenixEmily LeahBosscat ProductionsOfa MatagiSavage ServicesNancy McCormickCivic VolunteerMary PendergastWild Utah ProjectDavid RichardsonCapitol Hill ConstructionLisa RomneyRocky Mountain PowerJoe TrujiloYoung LivingJared TurnerCivic Volunteer

Tim Brown

ON THE COVER: Emma Eccles Jones Foundation Trustees, Ellen Rossi, Rick Lawson and Clark Giles enjoy sunshine on the stairs of the South Salt Lake Jordan River Nature Center portable classroom. ABOVE: Ruthie, a burrowing owl, is one of our newest Bird Show stars.

Inspire caring and curiosity for birds and nature through education and conservation.

THE NEXT PHASE of the Jordan River Nature Center, South Salt Lake Campus, received a wonderful boost with

a recent gift from the Emma Eccles Jones Foundation. Known for their work in the community and interest in education, the Foundation’s gift will pay for a large pavilion. This covered gathering space will be used by thousands of people in all seasons. The Emma Eccles Jones Foundation Pavilion will provide shade and seating for lectures and presentations as well as an outdoor space for a wide array of gatherings from school groups to private events.

Earlier this year, Ellen Rossi, Emma Eccles Jones Foundation Trustee, participated in focus group discussions about Tracy Aviary’s Jordan River Nature Centers. Ellen’s perspective helped in many ways, especially in clarifying how our three campuses would complement each other and partner with other organizations. As Ellen explained, “The Jordan River Nature Center is positioned to provide a much needed and valuable place for people to learn, connect and better understand this incredibly important urban landscape. The Emma Eccles Jones Foundation is so pleased to be a part of this visionary project and look forward to celebrating the positive impacts it will have on all who visit.”

We are delighted by the generosity of the Emma Eccles Jones Foundation and look forward to celebrating their contribution adjacent to the Jordan River.

Clark Giles, Rick Lawson and Ellen Rossi enjoy a warm fall day touring the JRNC. Tim Brown points to the area where the EEJF Pavilion will be built, as shown in an architectual rendering.

Emma Eccles Jones Foundation Gifts a Pavilion

Inspire caring and curiosity for birds and nature through education and conservation.

JRNC PHASE II - Pavilion

Field Trips, Lectures and others to Use Gathering Space

The Jordan River Commission is a government entity that provides a forum for governmental and non-governmental members, like Tracy Aviary, to coordinate planning, restoration, and responsible development along the Jordan River. The Aviary’s participation with the Commission has resulted in fantastic community connections and allowed the Aviary to stay apprised of the needs and opportunities along the river corridor.

With crucial support from the Commission, Tracy Aviary has coordinated multiple events at the Jordan River Nature Center. Even before the Nature Center was open, Aimee Horman, Outreach & Education Manager for the Commission, guided Aviary staff on a river clean-up in the Commission’s canoes. Staff appreciated the opportunity to improve the river while seeing it from a whole new perspective. In an effort to share that new perspective, we recently teamed up again to offer Paddle with Pride, a canoe event for LGBTQIA+ people and their allies. This program brought in a third partner, the Utah Pride Center, and was a huge hit with participants.

The partnership has proven to be a benefit to both organizations. This past summer, the Commission provided tools for another Aviary staff effort: a puncturevine pull that removed more than 200 pounds of the invasive weed! And in return, this fall, Tracy Aviary participated in the Commission’s tree planting program. Volunteers and staff from both organizations worked side by side to plant Fremont cottonwoods and peach-leaf willows along the parkway just south of the Nature Center.

Improving the Jordan River is worthy of our combined efforts and we look forward to many more collaborations with the Jordan River Commission!

The Jordan River CommissionPartners in Parkway Conservation

T RACY AVIARY IS THRILLED to have the Jordan River Commission as a partner in our goal to enhance Jordan River habitat and engage the community in this joint effort.

Inspire caring and curiosity for birds and nature through education and conservation.

With the guidance of the Jordan River Commission, volunteers and Tracy Aviary

staff plant trees and pick up the trash, including shopping carts, along the river.

Critical Partners in Critical Times

Improvements on exhibits such as Treasures of the Rainforest, Expedition Kea exhibit, and Eagle Ridge have been made by possible by The ALSAM Foundation.

Inspire caring and curiosity for birds and nature through education and conservation.

DURING THE PAST DECADE, Tracy Aviary has experienced an almost complete make-over

thanks to an extraordinary investment by the community. Propelled by a $19.6M Salt Lake County bond and fueled by an additional $15M in private funds, the scope of Tracy Aviary’s transformation possible with bond support expanded to include more improvements than initially envisioned.

One of the Utah institutions that has been a key partner along this journey is The ALSAM Foundation. If you have had the opportunity to enjoy Treasures of the Rainforest, Expedition Kea, and Eagle Ridge at the Aviary, you can thank The ALSAM Foundation for providing critical funding for these amazing exhibits. You can also look forward to enjoying a new bird show exhibit, coming next summer, made possible through their generosity.

This year, understanding the financial implications that COVID has had on community assets, The ALSAM Foundation graciously contributed operating funds that will help the Aviary continue operating at a high level, providing excellent animal welfare and fantastic guest experiences.

Like Tracy Aviary, The ALSAM Foundation is committed to Utah, children, and education. Ronny Cutshall, President of The ALSAM Foundation explained, “The L. S. Skaggs family, through The ALSAM Foundation has been pleased to partner with Tracy Aviary over many years and has watched Tracy Aviary grow and provide a great service to the residents of Salt Lake City and the State of Utah.”

Tracy Aviary would not be what it is today without the generos-ity and commitment of The ALSAM Foundation. We are lucky and fortunate to have such wonderful partners.

The ALSAM Foundation

who gave between February 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020

Thank you to Donors

Inspire caring and curiosity for birds and nature through education and conservation.

If we missed your name on these lists, please contact development@tracyaviary.com and we will include you in the next newsletter.

$1,000+Ray deWolfeJames DreyfousDon Gomes & Annie HoltAnn & John MaloolyBenita PulinsMarvin RallisonJennifer SpeersJennifer & Michael ThomasJared TurnerTrudy & Jim WestermanMary Young

$500 - $999Jack ClarkTim & Candy DeeArlene HamburgDarris HoweCarl KjeldsbergDavid RichardsonTracy RoeslerTheodore SchmidtPaul Watkins

$100 - $499Maria AlbaneseRyan AllerJaeLyn BarneyYoram BaumanVicki BennettKaren BrunsdaleMichelle CallKathleen CallisterRobert CarpenterRoberta CavinessWinitzky ChalledMarco ColindresBelinda CraftsMariah DayAngela DeanJane EvansLinda M FontenotJean GalliAnanda GarciaTheresa GomezLibbie GrantKristen HammerBrad HareJerald HarrisJean HendricksonJoseph HorneAnna HudsonKevin L JacobsonSharon KainMark KellerEdward Kelly

Genevieve KinseyJennifer KokaiStephanie LafalceStaci LarsenIla Jean LarsonJennifer LohmannKristine LyngRobert LyonNicole MacLarenJoyce MarderMariana MavorLenard McLaughlinAnn O’ConnellCheryl ParkerKD PearceCraig ProvostTamara SarzalejoDakota ScaddenPatti ServiceJessica SharpJennifer SonntagTiffini SorcicJennie StaceyMichael StahulakGeraldine StorbeckAmy TaylorMark TerryRichard ThomasVickie VenneLinda VennerNatalia Wilkins-TylerDana WillisTom & Diana WittrockMery WorthingtonBrad YamadaBonnie Zuckerman

$50 - $99Marni AmbroseDavid ArnoldEmily AstonPamela BaileyMelanie BattistoneEmily BergenJohn BergersonChristine BestHolly BishopLinda BishopAmy BradfordCarol BradyFrank BrennanAaron BrudererJennifer CaldwellOlga CanoKatherine Carrion deTaddeoLaura CertainAshley ClouseRebecca Colegrove

Dennis & Jan ConnairCatherine ConnellGwen CristShawna Gabriela CuanKatie DobkowskiTara DuisenKarli DuisenLesley DuTempleElizabeth DyerBethany EverettBritt FagerheimKarson FitzgeraldMieka FlisherAnna FonnesbeckPaul GandyClint Goudie-NiceRachel GreenHelen HarrisVirginia HeckerAngie HendricksonRobert HitchcockPatrick HoecherlJessica HoltAndrea HorbinskiClark HorningJulie HowlandChristine HymasSally JacobsenLiesl JacobsonAlexandra JensenJessica KahlerSusan KaneHeather KeenanSteven KlabeneshJon KostuchAngela & Nathan LazarAnnika LindnerLaura LockhartRayna LofgrenT Gabriel LuebbenAngela MarshallSumiko MartinezByron McDonoughVirginia McOmberCheryl MoonPat MunsonMelissa NestoryakMike PenttilaBarton PoulsonMichael ReedNoelle RizerRyan RuegnerMcKella SawyerBrett ScheidCarol SeitzRebecca ShifmanGlenn SkankeyAngela Smart

Aron SmolleyEveningstar StarkAmanda StumpRuby ThomasSharon ThompsonLizzy ThorneJane TownsendLori TrumboAnn VargoGeorgia WarrenAlyce WasdenLinda WhiteMackenzie Wolf

$1 - $49Angel AldanaTom & Kate AllemanKate AlworthLiz AndersonKarol AndersonJenee AndreevSarah BakhtiyariJulia BarberMonti BargsleyAnthony BarkerMargaret BaumSandra BautistaRyan BeamMara BearcatPaul BecksteadJudi BerryPaul BillsSarah BinghamMelinda BirdLeona BlackbirdMarci BlightAnna BostromJudy BowesMelissa BowmanAlissa BradyDebra BreivikTamra BrookeMegan BrownCharity BrownErica BrowningMax BruntNicholas BuddenRick BurkeDiane BurnettJody & Dione BurnettKane ButlinMandy CruzJolene CannonMichael CantrellJennifer CarterHector CastilloDivya ChandrasekharRiley ChatwinTami Combs

Cindy ComstockJulia ConstantinidesBrittany CoxCourtney CrombieKristen CrummettJordin CurtisPamilla DawsonElizabeth DennisonMalia DeshotelMarie DeveyRebecca DickAmanda DickeyLouAnn DonahueMichele DornanBeth DoveAlexei DukovDalanie EdgingtonPerthenia EilersEmmy EllinghuysenFrederick FedererAli FisherColleen FisherAmber FisherJennifer FlandersAnn FloorMargaret FormanMelody FrancisVanessa FravelEric FredricksonFrederick FuentesScarlett GalbraithPete GallegosBrenda GoodwinHeidu GreenbergLydia GreenwoodFran GregorcyLaura GruenwaldJulie GustinSandra HaleAudrey HallCarter HansenEmily HanychPatricia HardingJames HickmanJoannie HillKristie HintonNicka HiramotoNick HoffmannBetty HollandJulie HopkinsJenny JacksonKathryn JezekMcKenna JohnsonMindy JohnsonRobert JohnsonSusan JohnsonKathryn JohnsonMeghan JonesLandrie Jones

Amy KaganJessica KeenanJulia KellerRachael KennedyChristie KonkolLori KrasnyLana KrolikowskiMolly LaneKyanne LarsenKathryn LasichCiara LisonbeeDennis LoveridgeJosie LozanoSarah LuskKate Lyngle-CowandKristi MangineCristy ManisSharon MantylaRodney MarionneauxJoanne MartinGinger MartinJennifer MattsonLisa McBrideKimberley McCallAnnika McCallHallie McCarthyJohnny McKayHannah McKayAmy McLaughlinAnne McMurtreyKathleen McNamaraLaura ModlinCatriona MoodyMichelle MorganJessica MorganSeth MorrisonLucinda MyersJen MyersGail NaylorLindsey NemelkaDenice NewboldDebby NewtonOla OparaTanner OwensEdith PattersonSteve PetersenChristine PiroChristine PomeroyPatricia E PriceJohn PriegnitzMariah ProctorKelly QuielKathleen RaffertyTreva RamonBrandi RawsonConnie ReedSusan ReeseAmbyr ReyesMichael Reynolds

Leave a LegacyTHE TRACY AVIARY HERITAGE SOCIETY honors and recognizes the philanthropic leadership and vision of

individuals who create a planned giving strategy to benefit the mission of Tracy Aviary, forever. Too often, these gifts are unrecognized because they come at the end of the donor’s life. Our Heritage Society allows us to celebrate and thank donors for their generosity, today! Examples of planned giving strategies include:

Join our Heritage Society

If you have already included Tracy Aviary in your planned giving strategy, or would like to discuss your options with our staff, contact: development@tracyaviary.org, 801-596-8500 x120.

Bequest by Will • Charitable Gift Annuity • Charitable Remainder Trust Life Insurance • Retirement Account Assets

Inspire caring and curiosity for birds and nature through education and conservation.

Anne RiceLeah RichardsonBonnie RobertsonJeremiah RothAlicia RutledgeSusan RyggVivian SchneggenburgerHalen SeevinckJodi SimonsonKatherine SmithRachel SmithAngela SnowMonica SnowTheresa SnowElizabeth StarrettRobyn SwensenMichelle Tamez

Brady TateMary Jo TedescoAnne TerryDouglas TharpSuzanne TimoneyMarilee TolenClaire TrappWendy TuckerVictoria TurekStephanie Van DerburCelka Van DijkSarah VaughanDeborah VeaterRachel VickersCourtney WagnerMarcia WalkeMargaret Walsh

Ashley WaltemyerDebbie WaltmanMike WaltonChristy WangbergGrainne WardBonnie WarnerAlysia WatanabeBecky WebbPatricia E WebberAaron WelchJacob WellsKoi WetmoreSteven WickesLorine WilliamsErin WillisJennifer Willis-Blomquist

AS FORMER MACAW OWNERS, Trudy and Jim Westerman were naturally drawn to Tracy Aviary during their visits to Park City, their home away from their Chicago home. TACO, their blue and gold macaw, was a valued member of their family until his passing at 37 years of age. They fittingly honored TACO with a bench at the Aviary, donated in his memory.

Trudy, having served 40 years on the Women’s Board of the Lincoln Park Zoo, understands how important it is to support organizations like Tracy Aviary. She explained, “The Aviary provides an opportunity for meaningful interactions between people and birds that would otherwise not be possible.” Jim, a retired archaeologist, added, “I have watched Tracy Aviary make significant improvements over the years in many areas, but most importantly in the

care and welfare of the birds, quality of life improvements for Andy N. Condor, the Andean Condor, is a great example of that.”

When asked why they decided to include Tracy Aviary in their estate plans, Jim responded, “I feel responsible to financially help non-profit organizations survive and thrive during my lifetime and after my passing.” Trudy concurred saying, “Organizations cannot exist without the support from individuals and we want Tracy Aviary to outlive us for a long time.”

As the newest members to the Tracy Aviary’s Heritage Society, we appre-

ciate the thoughtfulness and generosity of Trudy and Jim Westerman in providing support now and in the future.

Trudy and Jim WestermanHeritage Society Members

The ALSAM Foundation The Ahmanson Foundation

American Express Arthur L. & Elaine V. Johnson Foundation

Association of Zoos & AquariumsBobbi Phrank FundCastle Foundation

The David Kelby Johnson Memorial FoundationEmma Eccles Jones Foundation

Emergent SolutionsEva Carlston Academy

FrontstreamGeorge S. & Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation

Great Salt Lake AudubonJordan River Commission

Kroger

Corporate, Foundation, & Government DonorsMarriner S. Eccles Foundation

Mountain America Credit UnionMunicipal Power Systems

The Nature Conservancy (Utah) Network For Good

Parsons Behle & LatimerRocky Mountain Power Foundation

Salt Lake CountySalt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks Fund

Salt Lake City CorporationUintah ConsultingUnited Associated

Westminster CollegeYoung Living Essential Oils

Your Cause LLCZions Bank

&

You can helpwaterbirds,

589 EAST 1300 SOUTHSALT LAKE CITY, UT 84105

PRINTED ON 100% RECYCLED PAPER

For more tips, pick up a free brochure at Tracy Aviary.

by understanding their need for a varied diet.

It is always best to enjoy nature without interfering with its balance. TRACY AVIARY does not recommend or endorse feeding wildlife. Instead, if you choose to watch carefully, you can enjoy the show waterbirds put on while hunting for their natural

food sources! Bring binoculars, a bird guide, a sketchbook, or a camera, and listen carefully to learn a new bird call.

Thank you for caring and making responsible choices. By changing our behavior in small ways, we can have a huge, positive impact on the health of local birds and the wetlands they use.

It is best to let waterbirds forage

on their own.

Bread

Frozen peas or corn,

thawed Duck pellets

Chopped lettuce

Halved grapes

FOODS TO AVOID HEALTHIEST OPTIONHEALTHIER CHOICES

Waterbirds forage for food on their own. It is best to avoid feeding them, but if you must, choose nutritious options.

Barley & oats

Mixed seed

AnyAnyprocessed processed

human human foodfood

Chips

Waterbirds get all their needed nutritional

value from the food available

in their own habitat.

such as ducks, geese, and gulls,

DANGERS OF FEEDING UNHEALTHY FOODS

MALNUTRITION Food items, like bread, satiate hunger but don’t provide necessary nutrients.

POLLUTED WATER Hand-feeding causes birds to over congregate in a small area, leading to increased waste and subsequent bacterial water pollution.

DISEASE Improper nutrition from unnatural food, combined with increased numbers of birds at feeding spots, can cause disease to spread rapidly.

MORE INFO

development@tracyaviary.org www.tracyaviary.org

NUTRIENTS & CARBOHYDRATES like those found in seeds, grasses, and aquatic plants, help birds

grow properly and give them energy to fly long distances.

PROTEINS, like those found in worms, snails, insects, and crustaceans like brine shrimp help birds molt, grow, and reproduce.

BOYCOTT BREAD!BOYCOTT BREAD!