Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 29, 1990 TAG: 9003290509
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KIM SUNDERLAND CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
"We're shocked," said Lisa Olver of Blacksburg, board member for the center, which is on a 100-acre farm near Prices Fork Road.
"We feel we really need the support of the public right now," said Rose Norris, founder and director of the center, which serves all of Southwest Virginia. "If anyone cares about the wildlife center, now is the time to show support."
Olver said the board was in the midst of organizing a major fund-raiser for the center and must now speed up the process to raise money to relocate.
The property, which has a small two-story home and pasture for cattle, is owned by John and Priscilla Guynn of Blacksburg. It has been part of their family for generations.
Priscilla Guynn said she rented the house to Norris on a month-to-month lease three years ago, but did not know that a wildlife refuge would be there.
Norris disagreed. But she said she did not expect the center's tremendous growth. Having built a few pens and cages, Norris said there has been nothing done to the property that cannot be undone without damage.
Norris has about 100 birds of prey and small mammals at the center, which specializes in rehabilitating injured animals and returning them to the wild.
"There is no other place within 2 1/2 hours driving distance of Blacksburg that does this work," Norris said.
Priscilla Guynn said there are some aspects of the center that bother her. She would not elaborate.
"It's no one's business what I want to do with my property," she said. Guynn said she expects to renovate the property.
"For as long as we're able to work and keep the land, we will do that," she said.
With summer approaching, Norris predicts 600 to 700 sick and injured animals will be brought to the center for surgery and treatment. Olver said this has been the trend for the past three years.
"With continued development, there are always more displaced animals that need help," Olver said.
The majority of the animals are placed back in the wild, but some are so disabled that they become permanent residents at the center. These animals serve as foster parents for other animals and for education at New River Valley schools.
Officials at the center, which is not subsidized by any state or federal agency, hope they can fine another suitable location, but wish they had more time. Olver wants an extension on the eviction, but does not believe it will happen.
"In fairness to the landlord, she has the right to do what she has to do," said Olver.
Norris said they are seeking a house with acreage that will create a buffer between the center and any neighbors or roadways.
She also would like to stay near Virginia Tech, which supplies most of the volunteers and interns from its veterinary school.
Donations of money or property can be made to Norris by calling 961-2656 or writing to the New River Wildlife Center, P.O. Box 10745, Blacksburg 24062.
by CNB