Hughes endows Henderson bird sanctuary

     The Howard Hughes Corp. recently donated $18,000 to the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve to fund the painting of a mural by local artist and environmentalist Sharon Schafer.
      The mural, which will depict more than 60 species of birds frequently sighted at the preserve, is scheduled for installation next fall. Upon installation of the mural, posters will be available for purchase in order to generate funds for educational programs at the preserve.
      According to Dan Van Epp, president of The Howard Hughes Corp., this donation is significant for more than monetary reasons.
      "Despite the fact that Hughes, a major developer of master-planned residential and business communities throughout Las Vegas, does not have a Henderson presence, we are committed to supporting environmental programs, particularly those with an educational orientation," Van Epp said. "The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is a treasure that's meant to be shared with the entire valley."
      The donation, which coincided with the one-year anniversary of the preserve, was accepted by Henderson Councilman Steve Kirk and members of the Red Rock Audubon Society. The society is credited as the impetus for developing the preserve at the city's water reclamation facility.
      Mayor Jim Gibson said the city is especially appreciative of the donation, which will extend the city's efforts in educating the public on the bird preserve and its environmental benefits.
      "We are grateful for our newly formed partnership with The Howard Hughes Corp. and the company's interest in supporting the preserve," Gibson said.
      Since the preserve opened in May of last year, more than 4,500 people have visited the facility. More than 90 acres of lagoons, ponds and reclaimed water facilities provide protected nesting and feeding habitats for more than 200 species of resident and migratory birds.