There are many things that lure people to a destination. In Halifax County, it’s the birds that have visitors flocking tothe area. The Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and Eco-Center boasts it has the largest waterfowl collection in the world.
With colors so vibrant and sound so unique, it would be easy for visitors to imagine they’re in some exotic location. But, Sylvan Heights’ nine acre facility is in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. The park is home to more than 1000 birds, 170 different species. It started out as a breeding center for zoos all over the world. The Lubbocks have tended the birds and the family business for 40 years.
“One of the reasons I moved to Scotland Neck was because it was a farming community,” says founder Michael Lubbock.
Lubbock’s son Brent handles the marketing side of the non profit business.
“I grew up in it. Some people just have cats and dogs and we had a few 1000 birds which I’ve always worked with and loved. So what better way to have a job than to work with what you love and what a lot of people put a lot of work into.
Visitors like Yolanda Bailey like what the park offers. “We will definitely come back. My daughter has come 3 times and she has told me about it but I never thought it was this great. So yes, we will be back.”
Six year old visitor Takeya Letch likes the pink Flamingos. But it was the green, as in money, that’s allowed access to the aviary, showcasing birds from different continents. Grants from several organizations, including the Golden Leaf Foundation, helped Sylvan Heights open less than two years ago. Already more than 20 thousand guests have taken in the sights.
James Mills, the Mayor of Scotland Neck says the park is a great addition to the community. “It has added a great deal of hope to this community. I often call it the crown jewel of Scotland Neck. I see it as an achievement that we are trying to build upon. And we have tried to do several other things and we have used Sylvan Heights as a model. We have people that come from all over the world and even internationally to see what has been done here. So it focuses some attention on Scotland Neck.”
Monica Cavalieri owns a local restaurant in Scotland Neck. She believes Sylvan Heights is helping other businesses. “Our lunches picked up… probably about 25% more.” Stopping to talk just after the lunch rush, she adds, “It has really put us on the map. Scotland Neck is a very neat little town. It has created a lot of business for us. And people are amazed at what they find at the end of town. “
Reginald Newsome found a job. “We have our own since of pride now, accomplishment, success. We don’t have to venture out of our own city limits now to see something flashy and colorful we just go out in our own backyards,” says Newsome.
Along with that sense of pride, Sylvan Heights has brought 15 news jobs to this rural community. “In years past of course we had a great deal of industry here. We had textiles and lumber was much more labor intense than it is now. We are striving to make sure that there are more jobs being developed here in Scotland Neck. We are not chasing smokestack industries anymore, “Mills says.
But the Mayor admits getting community support was a hard sell at first. “We are trying as best we can to educate our public as to how this is going to benefit the average individual citizen when they go to sit around the table and pay bills. And I’m a believer now but I was kind of a skeptic at first myself. I’ve seen all that they have done here and I salute them,” Mills says.
Clearly proud of all they’ve accomplished so far, Brent Lubbock concludes, “I think not just in rural North Carolina but in the world period is an accomplishment. I think it’s wonderful where we are located because North Carolina is growing so fast and it’s nice to be able to come here and see the birds but also to enjoy nature. “
The park is open year round Tuesday through Sunday.
Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park & Eco-Center
4963 Hwy 258
Scotland Neck, NC 27874
info@shwpark.org
Phone: (252) 826-3186
Fax: (252) 826-3273
Watch the NC Now Feature
An interview with Mike Lubbock