The Austin Nature and Science Center
The Austin Nature and Science Center (ANC) was chosen as the site of the John Denver Memorial for several reasons. The center provides educational and recreational opportunities which increase knowledge, awareness, and appreciation of the Central Texas natural environment and its connection to other world ecosystems. It is a "living museum," whose efforts are focused on the creative use of specifically planned interpretive exhibits, programs, collections, and nature trails. As John did, the Nature Center, too, serves as a model for appropriate human activities regarding the conservation of natural resources and recognizes the need to educate humans about local and worldwide environmental issues.
Located in the center of a nature preserve, the ANC is a rescue, rehabilitation, and release facility for wild animals that have been injured, and also serves as a sanctuary for those animals that are unable to return to the wild. The three things that all the animals that live here have is common is that they were all once free and wild, they have all been injured in some way which prevents them from being able to survive in the wild, and all their injuries were caused by humans.
The Birds of Prey Sanctuary is home to numerous hawks, owls, and vultures, many of whom have protected status under U.S. laws. By their very presence in this setting, these majestic birds serve to remind us of the damage humans have done to our ecosystems and to animals and nature, of the enormity of even our smallest actions as a race and as individuals, and of our responsibility toward nature and all wildlife. The stories of each of these birds, posted outside their habitats, are full of sadness and hope. They touch our hearts and raise our awareness. No one walks away from this place unaffected and unchanged.
Because of John Denver's great respect for raptors and his work in raising awareness about them, and because John would wish nothing more for them than the unfettered freedom of flight, this memorial is centered in the heart of the sanctuary for the birds that he loved so well. We placed it here as a monument to the works of a true guardian of the planet. The memorial, with the inscription of John's "The Eagle and The Hawk," inspires us and gives us hope that one day places like this will no longer be necessary.