This Event has Passed
A New Display for the J. Earl Comfort Bird Sanctuary
Guided by the Kirkwood Park’s mission to preserve nature for enjoyment and education, on May 20, 1978, the city of Kirkwood designated the southwestern corner of Kirkwood Park to be the J. Earl Comfort Bird Sanctuary. James Earl Comfort’s passion was ornithology, the study of birds. Most of his life he wandered the fields and forests in the St. Louis area observing birds. One of his favorite places to bird was Kirkwood Park. He shared his knowledge by mentoring others and through his writing which included major contributions to the Webster Groves Nature Study Society (WGNSS) and the Audubon Society. More than 120 species of birds have been recorded in the J. Earl Comfort Bird Sanctuary and Kirkwood Park.
In 1978, a sign post was erected by the city of Kirkwood and WGNSS to honor J. Earl Comfort. Nearly 50 years later, most people that walk by that signpost are unfamiliar with the history of the bird sanctuary and do not know who J. Earl Comfort was. On November 2, 2024 that situation is being remedied with the instalation of a new display. This display contains more information about who J. Earl Comfort was. It also contains information about the joy of bird watching, bird conservation and the importance of birds to the forest and fields at Kirkwood Park. The display also includes photos of the many birds one may find at Kirkwood Park.
The unveiling ceremony for the new display will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11:00. The location for this event will be in Kirkwood Park, next to the Sugar Creek Trail and a short walk from Rifle Range Road. This event is sponsored by the Webster Groves Nature Study Society, Kirkwood Park Rangers and the Kirkwood Park Board. WGNSS members will be stationed along Rifle range Road to help guide visitors to the ceremony. All are welcome to join in this event.
Event Links
Brochure: https://go.evvnt.com/2702641-0
