Wiley–Boone Aviary: A Bird Garden

Abstract

The Wiley–Boone Aviary is a collection of domestic/exotic birds established at the Morgan Poulty Center at Clemson Univ. in the mid-1970s. The area receives 3000 visitors per year, mostly school children. To make the site more aesthectically pleasing and conducive to educational programs, a new design was necessary. The Aviary was selected for redesign as an independent project in Fall 1995. Objectives of the design were: 1) creating an area conducive to housing, attracting, and viewing birds; 2) educating visitors through interactive display areas; 3) creating a bird garden that will attract and educate the public while providing natural food sources, cover, and nesting sites. Plants such as Pyracantha coccinea, Amelanchier arborea, and Juniperus virginiana provide winter berries and protection from predators. Final plans feature: 1) individual aviary structures for exotic, game, and domestic birds; 2) open habitats for mallards and song birds; and 3) an amphitheater for educational purposes. Project steps included research, site analysis, preliminary design, and final master plan. As part of fund-raising activities, the master plan was displayed at the spring festival of the South Carolina Botanical Garden. This, combined with publications, will stimulate community awareness and participation as we approach the implementation phase of the project.