Local park features bird sanctuary, thanks to Wild Birds Unlimited, Cauley

HENDERSONVILLE – On Aug. 25, a vision of a new bird sanctuary at Sullivan Park became a reality, thanks to the original idea by Crystal Cauley and the hard work of Carey and Lutrelle O’Cain, the owners of Wild Birds Unlimited in Hendersonville.

The sanctuary has been named the Brooklyn Creek Bird Sanctuary, Cauley said.

She founded and directs the Black History Collective of Henderson County, serves on local boards, is involved in the Black Business Network of WNC, the Seventh Avenue/Brooklyn Community Garden and the Green Meadows community, and was twice nominated for the ATHENA Award.

Earlier this year, she proposed a bird sanctuary to the Environmental Sustainability Board for Sullivan Park after she researched the success that The Park in Flat Rock has had with its bluebird houses. 

“The plan is to have the bird sanctuary as a place to clear your mind and reduce stress which is beneficial for people of all ages. Researchers have found a significant positive association between seeing or hearing birds and improved mental well-being,” Cauley said. “My future plans are to begin the process of having the sanctuary as a Certified Wildlife Habitat with the help of the Environmental Sustainability Board’s approval. I will present the bird sanctuary to the board at the next September meeting.