SCOTLAND NECK — Imagine what it would be like if you had difficulty walking around, or struggle getting out of your home and enjoying nature. Imagine how much you would miss if you couldn’t walk through the grass, the trees or have an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views of God’s creatures.

Della Batts | Daily Herald Mickey and Becky Boyten were excited when they received an invitation to Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park for the grand opening of the Birds Nest, handicap accessible treehouse overlooking the park’s wetlands. Sylvan Heights Director Mike Lubbock, center, answered their questions. Advertisement

Millions of people experience mobility challenges every day. They live life through a window. Even with modern medical technology providing wheelchairs or scooters, many mobility-challenged people are denied experiences in natural settings — their various modes of transportation can’t gain access.

Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park bridged a major gap for these folks cutting the ribbon opening the new Bird’s Nest tree house and providing a unique access to nature.

The Bird’s Nest is the only handicap accessible treehouse in the state. It provides views of the park’s wetlands from about 25 feet in the air.

Visitors can experience the tranquility of nature in a peaceful, pleasant setting.

The wetlands are home to native waterfowl, songbirds and birds of prey, as well as deer, mink, muskrat and fox.

Mobility-challenged individuals may never experience the opportunity to see these creatures anywhere else. The rest of the Sylvan Heights facilities and trails are also handicap accessible, all visitors can see exotic birds in continental exhibits.

Mickey and Becky Boyken are from Greenville and are mobility challenged, both are in wheelchairs. They visited Sylvan Heights before the Bird’s Nest and said they enjoyed it. When they received a special invitation to see the new treehouse, it was an opportunity they couldn’t refuse. “This is really nice,” said Mickey.

“For people like us, getting out into nature is not so easy,” said Becky.

“We really appreciate a chance to get this kind of view. I almost feel like ... it’s almost like the feelings kids get.” She had a broad grin and a timbre of excitement in her voice as she looked over the rails at the wetlands.

Sylvan Heights Director Mike Lubbock shared the sights with the Boykens. The pair pointed, laughed a lot and asked Lubbock questions.

A cool breeze blew over the wetlands on that hot summer day. Friends of Sylvan Heights gathered for the official ribbon cutting at the Bird’s Nest.

Chairman of the Board Walt Sturgeon welcomed guests and made introductions.

Executive Director of Halifax County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Lori Medlin informed participants almost 47,000 people visited Sylvan Heights and complimented them for a job well done. “This is a Œcan do — will do’ group,” she said during an interview.

Lubbock talked to the group about Phase II of Sylvan Heights development, which includes the treehouse and also new restroom facilities. The restrooms include a honeybee hive (nestled safely behind a glass enclosure), native frogs and carnivorous plants.

Lubbock thanked everyone who was part of making the treehouse and facilities possible. “Thanks to the Attorneys General Office of the North Carolina Department of Justice through their Environmental Enhancement Grant program, which provided the largest grant for Sylvan Heights.” He shared coming soon in Phase III, a Beaver Pond Blind will be added to the wetlands. This will be a place to have close up views of nature from the ground.

Lubbock thanked Touchstone Energy, the Cannon Foundation, the Conservation fund and its Resourceful Communities Program, MS Consultants Inc. and a host of other businesses and individuals for their part in making the Birds Nest possible.

While Lubbock and the other speakers were eloquent and apt in their perception of the importance and positive influence Phases II and III will have on the park and the community, it was Scotland Neck Mayor James Mills who summed it up at the event, “Look what love hath wrought,” after reading from Rudyard Kipling’s, “When Earth’s Last Picture is Painted.” Mills shared how he’s watched Sylvan Heights grow from the love the Lubbocks, board members, workers and volunteers have invested in the park and how they’ve worked to build a little piece of paradise. “They have helped to create an area where people can work because they love it ... People have poured their love into this, and people from all over the world have come to see what love hath wrought,” he said.

In a later interview, Mills shared work is being done to bring a restaurant to the area. Talks are underway and possibilities are being investigated.

“We’re looking for the right facility or we may build new,” he said, “In business you have to be able to justify your investment, and Scotland Neck is definitely a place worth investing in.” The park Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating people about the importance of conservation and research focusing on waterfowl and wetland habitats. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call (252) 826-3186 or visit shwpark.com.