WINGS CAMPUS
3190 Oak Hill Drive
Laurel, Maryland 20724
An abandoned dairy barn in Anne Arundel County is the newest development of the Earth Conservation Corps' River of Hope Initiatve. We are there to engage with the talented cadets living at the Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy and Scholars at Maya Angelou's Academy at New Beginnings in raptor research & conservation as a STEAM interest gateway.
Earth Conservation Corps is currently working with Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy cadets, Fresh Start Project DC, and Greenspur to build the raptor research & conservation center permitted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. At the Wings Barn, youth will learn about raptor education (with our education birds), conservation of birds of prey, and wildlife tracking & research. The awareness and proximity with these birds of prey, under the guidance of our raptor specialists often lead to lifelong engagement with nature and conservation.
RAPTOR PROGRAM DIRECTOR, RODNEY STOTTS
Founding Earth Conservation Corps member Rodney Stotts is leading the Wings effort with his program Rodney's Raptors. Now a master Falconer, Mr. Stotts has dedicated twenty-nine years to connecting people from all walks of life with the healing power of nature. A founding Corps member, Rodney has devoted over two decades as Earth Conservation raptor program director. Rodney's story with raptors just aired this June 2021 on PBS, called The Falconer. Mr. Stotts has also started his own program called Rodney's Raptors. Additionally, Island Press just announced the publishing of Rodney Stotts’ new book, Bird Brother.
As we build one of the largest eagle aviaries in the Eastern U.S. with Capital Guardian cadets, we need your help through boots on the ground time or donations to help our D.C. youth finish out this mission for a raptor research & conservation center. To join us through time or donation...
Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe cadets and scholars at DYRS Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings will be leaders in raptor research & conservation as they discover the power of working with birds of prey. Their environmental stewardship will inspire them to become the next generation of Earth Conservation Corps members that carry on the legacy of taking care of our D.C. natural environment and community that the original corps members began 30 years ago.
Watch a brief video below of our Wings Campus initiative below
The Wings Project
Wings Campus Vision
THE WONDER OF BIRDS
The American Kestrel
Americorp graduate, Robert West teaching about birds of prey
Rodney Stotts with our owl, Mr. Hoots & Capital Guardian cadets
Humans have been fascinated with Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, and Owls for thousands of years. By teaching elements of the ancient art and science of falconry, we empower youth to care for birds of prey and reconnect to nature.
Learning about raptor research & conservation for a wild raptors is a transformative experience that inspires both a thirst for STEAM education and a reconnection to self. The relationship offers mutual healing. The raptor gets a second chance for survival and the relationship can change the course of a young person’s life. Many will gain a lifetime connection to raptors and conservation. On returning home to DC, our Anacostia River education centers - The Monique Johnson Anacostia River Center and The Matthew Henson Earth Conservation Center - offer a seamless path for the youth to a build on their knowledge of science and nature.
Two of Earth Conservation Corps' bald eagles, Liberty & Justice. Pictured from live nest feed, 2017.
BUILDING AVIARY UPDATES
Check out these recent images of the Fresh Start Project Capital Guardian cadets hard at work as they build the first installation of our Wings Campus -- The 120 ft Eagle Aviary.
Thank You cadets!
Another very special Thank You to Greenspur, who have donated their time to complete construction on the aviary
