This section will highlight the various costs that will need to be determined to start up a wildlife education center (much like the one currently at the Recreation Department) in addition to costs resulting from the ongoing operation of this program area.

These costs will include supplies and equipment that will be needed to set-up the various indoor and outdoor displays. These cost estimates do not include the restoration of the buildings that will be needed in order to make them conducive for housing a collection of wildlife (such as those described in the punch list like plumbing, electrical, lighting, etc.). The cost estimates will also not include such things as paper towels, small items, etc. Program fees will cover these items. We also hope to acquire some of the following items through our capital equipment fund.

Cages (display, museum-quality):

20 cages x $500/cage/unit = $10,000

4 outdoor cages (supplies only*) = $ 5,000
*These will be Eagle Scout projects in which labor costs will equal zero

10 off display, quarantine neodesha cages = $ 2,500

Cage Set-up (zoo quality components):

Epoxy/naturalistic rock displays = $ 5,000

Classroom-style tables/chairs:

8 x $300/table = $ 2,400

40 x $20/chair = $ 800

Industrial style freezer to store food for animals = $ 1,000

Overhead projector/slide machine = $ 5,000

Television/VCR for classrooms/wildlife center = $ 1,500

Field Research Equipment:

1 radio telemetry device = $ 2,000

1 pit tag device = $ 1,000

20 field collecting nets @ $85/net = $ 1,700

12 microscopes @ $300/scope = $ 3,600

4 Humidity/light level machines @ $250 = $ 1,000

20 bird watching binoculars @ $150 = $ 3,000

Total initial set-up for Wildlife Center = $45,500

Program costs will be determined by the amount of space that is going to be designated for this program area. For purposes of estimating approximate costs, it will be determined that this program area will have access to the chicken coop for its wildlife displays (in addition to outdoor areas), the Ice House for storage, and two buildings that can be used for classrooms. These costs were determined by looking at expenditures over the past four years in this program area.

Full-time salaries (specifically relating to Elawa Farm programs):

Program Manager (shared between wildlife education and outdoor recreation) = $40,000

Program Supervisor = $31,000 (as of 8/31/00)

Professional Development = $ 3,000

Membership Dues = $ 500

Gas allowance = $ 1,700

Part-time instructors: = $5,000

2 classes/session x $15/hr x 6 weeks x 4hrs/week x 3 seasons x 2 instructors

Additional costs are for special programs not currently budgeted

Training for certification = $1,000

Food for wildlife collection:

Rodents: 300 mice/month x .65/mouse x 12 months = $2,340

Fish: 150 fish/month x .40/fish x 12 mo. = $ 720

Produce: = $ 200

Veterinary:

Routine checks = $1,000

Emergency = $ 800

Husbandry Supplies:

Heat lamps and UV lights = $ 500

Heat Pads/thermostats = $ 900

Substrate (gravel, mulch, etc.) = $ 500

10 feeding forceps/hooks = $ 350

Paper Towels = $ 500

Quatricide PV & Nolvason (cleaning) = $ 500

Vitamins (repcal, nekton, etc.) = $ 150

Paper for off display cages = $ 500

Program Supplies:

Paper = $ 500

Arts & Craft Supplies = $ 500

Owl Pellets, similar nature products = $ 500

Miscellaneous = $1,000

Special Events (State Fair, Expos, etc.) = $2,000

Total Expenses for Wildlife Education = $95,660

These costs are desired expenditures based on the growth of this program area. Cost estimates are based on current market trends and some supplies/equipment could be used over the next three years. In addition to user fees, additional subsidies will need to be raised through foundations, sponsors, donors, fund-raisers, and tax support. Additionally, these costs are for the wildlife education program. When we begin programming with the greenhouse and formal gardens, additional costs will occur (along with revenues through program fees, sponsorships and donations). Much of those costs will be folded under operations (staff, maintenance), however, there will be start-up costs for pots, plants, soil, lighting, misting systems, etc. that will need to be covered.

Following is a breakdown of revenue created by program fees, special events, memberships, fundraising and honorariums/donations.

Programs:

2 programs/session x 8 sessions x 12 part./class x $75/class = $14,400

Wildlife Education Outreach Program

6 programs/month x $150/program x 12 months = $10,800

Special Events = $10,000

Sponsors = $ 5,000

Fund-raisers = $10,000

Memberships:

500 memberships x $20/member = $10,000

Total Revenue: = $60,200

NOTE: The Adventure Program Area falls under the responsibilities of the Program Manager who oversees both wildlife education and adventure programs. Both are projected to come close to breaking even. It is our hope that a large-scale, high ropes/teams course will be built at Northcroft Park. This activity will provide the revenue base that this program area needs to generate enough revenue to break even. Additionally, some of these costs may be able to be folded under the Elawa Farm Foundation so that this program area can break even.