8 LH EA U-D U:B ONG 6 UCL i aie 
Visitors at Bird Haven’s “‘open house” wait in line to register with the caretakers and to 
sign a petition protesting the proposed flooding of this area. 
Olney Citizens Struggle to Save Bird Haven 
by RICHARD H. THOM 
Bird Haven soon may be only a cherished memory for those who have 
experienced its enchantment. The problems faced by this small sanctuary 
are typical of those faced by other wilderness areas throughout the country. 
If these areas are lost, they will clearly demonstrate the inability of those 
in power to recognize a value in anything which isn’t marketable. If Bird 
Haven is destroyed, a perpetual trust will be dishonored and two graves 
desecrated, for these 18 acres contain the earthly remains of Robert Ridgway 
and his beloved wife. 
Bird Haven is situated two miles north of Olney and consists of the 
original 18 acres purchased by Mr. Ridgway plus 100 acres that were 
purchased when the sanctuary was made a memorial to Robert Ridgway. 
Olney is a pleasant and progressive community of about 9,000 people. The 
government consists of a mayor and council and these men devote many 
hours for token compensation. 
A master community plan for Olney—a plan that spanned several 
administrations—was developed to solve pressing immediate problems, 
anticipate future problems and generally make the community better in 
every way. But this plan, if carried to its final conclusion, will obliterate 
Bird Haven forever. 
The immediate problem was the inadequate sewage system which 
was polluting the Fox River below Olney. The cost of more than tripling 
the present sewage treatment capacity was about $1,000,000, and engineer- 
ing studies indicated that this volume would solve the present problem with 
ample capacity for future population and industry growth. 
Several recent dry periods worried city officials. The present two lakes 
owned by Olney have about a two-year supply of water at current con- 
