Raptor program may stay, no cost to Itasca

Itasca's raptor program may fall into the care of Barrington-based Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation in the near future.

Tuesday night, village officials agreed during a Spring Brook Nature Center committee meeting to enter into negotiation agreements with Flint Creek, a state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitation center that also has another branch in Chicago.

Itasca's popular raptor program allows the public to study raptors, or birds of prey, at the nature center in a hands-on, upclose learning environment.

Although the village board agreed several weeks ago to dissolve the program, dozens of concerned residents convinced the board raptors are something the village should hold on to.

The proposal that's on the table states Flint Creek would establish another bird care hub in Itasca at the nature center at no cost to the village. They would not eliminate any birds or programs and, instead, would maintain the programs. They also would bring back the bird rehabilitation program that was cut several years ago due to low funding, would have the same volunteers do the same work and also market the nature center while marketing Flint Creek.

"We are committed to revitalizing the program and keeping it in the village," Flint Creek founder and Director Dawn Keller said. "Our paramount concern is quality care."

Trustee Jeff Aiani was first to pursue the agreement with Flint Creek Tuesday night and said it was a good thing for the village.

"This allows the program to stay and it's great," he said. "It gives us an opportunity to bring in Flint Creek, to retain the raptor program, to bring back the rehab program, it takes away the burden from our taxpayers, it allows Friends of Spring Brook to continue in their fundraising."

Jenny Burke of Itasca was one of about 50 residents who attended the meeting to voice their concerns and participate in the raptor program discussions.

"I think we've got a couple of good proposals on the table and I would hate for you guys to make a decision immediately," she said. "Before you make any significant changes, please get some more community input.

"It's our nature center and we just want to have some say and input into what happens to it."