The
memorial is placed in the very heart of the Birds of Prey Sanctuary and serves
as a focal point for persons visiting the area. As you stand at the gateway
to the sanctuary, you can see the memorial in the distance.
The
John Denver Nature Exhibit is a four-sided structure built of native Texas
stones of various sizes, shapes and colors.
Each side leans gently backward, and the entire structure slopes gently
downward toward the back.
The
largest side is the front wall, the first part that you see as you approach the
memorial. The stone cast memorial
plaque is placed in this wall. The
plaque is cast in an aggregate of stone, shell, and fossil. It is the color of Texas Sandstone. The plaque was designed by Texas artist,
Suzanne McBride, who also made the clay model from which the stone was
cast. The raised design is intended to
allow visitors the opportunity to experience the memorial tactilely as well as
visually. The words to John's song,
"The Eagle and The Hawk" are carved into this plaque.