MOTION OF THE COUNCIL OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Expressing the Sense of the Council of Allegheny County strongly urging the Allegheny County Parks Department, the North Park Friends of the Park, and the Allegheny County Parks Foundation to work cooperatively with the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium and the National Aviary in order to expand programming at the Latodami Nature Center in North Park, and to create a long range plan for the further development and expansion of the Latodami Nature Center.
WHEREAS, since 1969, Latodami Nature Center in North Park has been providing exciting opportunities to explore the out-of-doors though its diverse habitats; and
WHEREAS, originally a dairy farm, the Latodami Nature Center currently consists of a recently dredged pond, the historic old barn and silo, many forest and field habitats, as well as several streams and wetlands, with eleven nature trails within the Nature Center's 250 acres; and
WHEREAS, the Latodami Nature Center regularly conducts events and programs aimed at fostering public awareness of the environment, wildlife, and outdoor activities in the region; and
WHEREAS, of the approximately 30 programmatic activities currently scheduled on the Nature Center's website, only one expressly involves participation by the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, and none expressly list the National Aviary as a participant; and
WHEREAS, the National Aviary, located in the City of Pittsburgh, is the only independent indoor nonprofit aviary in the United States, is the country's largest aviary, and is the only aviary accorded honorary "National" status by the United States Congress; and
WHEREAS, the National Aviary's collection features birds representing every continent except Antarctica, with many of the species showcased in free-flight mixed species exhibits, in order to allow the birds to demonstrate natural behaviors.; and
WHEREAS, on June 14, 1898, the Pittsburgh Zoo opened its gates to the public, providing visitors with a rare glimpse of animals and plants they had never seen before and beginning a period of over 100 years of significant contribution to the conservation of endangered and threatened species, while providing an enjoyable family experience which fosters understanding, respect, and appreciation of wildlife; and
WHEREAS, it is the judgment of Council that both the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium and the National Aviary would be outstanding partners in expanding the programmatic activities at the Latodami Nature Center, insofar as both entities are extremely well-qualified and positioned to provide unique insights into local wildlife; and
WHEREAS, it is further the judgment of Council that the creation of a long range plan for developing the facilities and the programmatic goals of the Latodami Nature Center in partnership with the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, the National Aviary, and other similar local entities would greatly enhance the Center's ability to extend and fulfill its mission in the years to come;
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS MOVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY,
Hereby strongly urges the Allegheny County Parks Department, the North Park Friends of the Park, and the Allegheny County Parks Foundation to work cooperatively with the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium and the National Aviary in order to expand programming at the Latodami Nature Center in North Park, and to create a long range plan for the further development and expansion of the Latodami Nature Center.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: COUNCIL MEMBER KRESS
CO-SPONSORS: COUNCIL MEMBER REA