The ecologically rich land and ideal, temperate climate of Scotland Neck has made it the perfect home for the Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Breeding Center for many years. Run by the Lubbock family for 40 years, the center has more than 2,500 birds and 170 species, making it home to the largest captive waterfowl population in North America.
With grants from several organizations, including the Golden LEAF Foundation, the Lubbock family was able to expand the breeding center into the Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park & Eco-Center. The park was developed as a way to reach out to people and invite ecotourism into the area. Sylvan Heights partnered with the North Carolina Zoological Society to create a world-class, ecotourism facility where visitors can explore bird species from all over the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Australia.
The park also focuses on conservation by offering exhibits, libraries, and educational programs, making it a hub for programs and projects working to preserve endangered species of waterfowl all over the world. The park opened less than two years ago, but has already attracted more than 20 thousand visitors.
Sylvan Heights now acts a model for other communities, and people from all over the world travel to Scotland Neck to see what has been accomplished. With the expansion of the park and the increase in ecotourism, the park has created jobs in the area, and has helped other businesses by increasing visitors to the town.
By combining conservation and education, and taking advantage of the resources that already existed in the town, Sylvan Heights now provides Scotland Neck with local pride and an economic boost.
Watch the NC Now Feature
An interview with Mike Lubbock