Itasca cuts Spring Brook Nature Center jobs

Itasca leaders saved Spring Brook Nature Center's raptors, but couldn't keep two employees who helped maintain the birds of prey.

The positions have been eliminated at Spring Brook now that Barrington-based Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation has taken over the raptor program.

"Because the bird program was privatized out, Flint Creek is taking over all the operations and the educational portions of the program," Mayor Gigi Gruber said Wednesday.

Last month, village officials approved a three-year, renewable agreement that gives Flint Creek permission to establish another bird-care hub at Spring Brook.

Flint Creek, a state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitation group, has since moved into the nature center.

The arrangement won't cost Itasca any money.

In addition to eliminating the two handler positions, Village Administrator Dave Williams said a grounds maintenance worker was laid off. The village's public works department will maintain the grounds.

In the meantime, Itasca officials are re-evaluating all of Spring Brook's staff needs.

"If we decide we need additional help at the nature center, we will reach out," Williams said. "We just need a little bit of time to figure out our budget."

Village officials are planning to make a decision within two weeks.

Meanwhile, Gruber said she's excited about the recent partnerships.

Barrington-based Health World has entered the scene and will share village space and offer free displays for education.

In addition to Flint Creek adopting the raptor program, the park district has offered to step up and possibly help run more programs at the nature center next year.

"I'm excited about the partnerships we are forming," Gruber said. "I look forward to exciting times at the nature center."