Our Goals have changed.
Could this be our future? AI-generated concept render – representing a possible future sanctuary layout.
-Due to the impending addition of a fire station directly next to our current building, we’ve decided it’s time for a change to a more peaceful and less populated area. Having sirens and flashing lights blaring all hours of the day and night isn’t the tranquil setting we’d hoped for the parrots.
-Currently we are prayerfully seeking land – preferably wooded land – with acreage that will surround the new facility – buffering the birds from noises and buffering neighbors from the noises made by the birds.
-We have a fundraiser running to help this move become a reality. Up until now, we (personally – not the nonprofit) have borne the costs of mortgage and utilities. Not one single dime of Marden’s Ark’s money has gone towards either mortgage, utilities, or building upkeep. Any work done – even that which has detracted from the property value – has been out of our personal funds. This new property would be deeded to the organization, not any one person.
-One potential solution would be us personally living in a camper, at the site, in order to oversee the care of the birds, until we could build a separate living space which would then become the caretaker’s residence and would be available to whomever was serving in that position.
-We are going to continue our Garden Project each season in the interim, because no matter where the birds live, they NEED clean, healthy, fresh food! Because we are looking to relocate before the fire station is built, we are NOT seeking to build a greenhouse building at this time. We are looking for a more temporary and mobile solution for the interim. The greenhouse project will resume once we have a proper location.
What we are hoping for:
– Land of at least 10 acres in a fairly square shape (not long and narrow), with a fairly level area in the center. Woods are preferable, as they provide an effective sound-break to reduce noise from any possible future development. And they would also mitigate the noise of the birds – because even if you are “there first” – neighbors who complain about noise can create huge problems.
-An area where the laws and government officials are supportive of our mission.
These changes were unforeseen, as we’d been assured for the entire time we lived here that the adjacent property was not for sale and would be a building site for a family home. We never imagined a fire station would be built directly next door. But we are committed and resilient. God is closing one door but we are sure will open a new door to something better.