Bringing Back Paradise
By Doug La Rocque
For more than 40 years people from all around the United States have been bringing sick and injured birds, many of an exotic nature, to Peter Dubacher, and the Berkshire Bird Paradise (BBP) on Red Pond Road in Grafton. Peter has always had a special place in his heart for these birds, and the Berkshire Bird Paradise has become just as special.
The sanctuary was started in 1972, shortly after Peter left the Army. It was home to parrots, parakeets, cockatoos, toucans, eagles and even a mischievous emu, who once escaped and ran around Grafton for several days, worrying Peter nearly to death.
Life, as the bird paradise knew it, all changed on Thursday, August 22, and not for the better.
A fire broke out in the parrot pavilion, which housed many of these exotic birds, some flying about freely within its confines. While the fire itself wasn’t all that large, the toxic smoke it generated took the lives of about one hundred birds inside. It was only through the efforts of Peter and his daughter Liz, neighbors and friends, fire fighters and two NYS troopers, that some of these precious aviary souls were rescued. Peter himself was shortly thereafter hospitalized for several days due to smoke inhalation and stress.
The rescued birds were moved into Peter’s home so that the pavilion, that cost more than $250,000 to build and with $100,000 of special equipment, could be rebuilt. Liz Dubacher telling The Eastwick Press at the time, “the structure has to be gutted to its metal shell and totally rebuilt.” So now, that effort begins, with the hopes it can be re-opened before the winter weather sets in.
An on-line effort to help has raised about $15,000 so far, but much more needs to be done to restore the largest bird sanctuary in the state, and a gem in Rensselaer County. A paradise that is not only home to so many creatures, including the majestic Monarch Butterfly, but an educational treasure for children from kindergarten to college.
On Sunday, September 29, the community is coming together to stage a very large fundraiser on the grounds of The Eastwick Press office at the former Grafton Elementary School, at the corner of NYS Route 2 and Babcock Lake Road. The event, which runs from 2 to 7 pm, will feature live music from numerous area bands and musicians, vendors, food, dignitaries, and an ongoing tribute to the Berkshire Bird Paradise and Peter Dubacher.
Your Help Is Welcome
The musical lineup for the day is complete, but vendors, food trucks and the like, are still needed. There are many acres of open land and the organizers want to fill it all up. All proceeds, of course, go directly to BBP. Help to coordinate the day’s events is also welcome.
Please contact Nancy at 518-279-9378 or thorissa@aol.com if you can help, or simply would like to donate.
Come see for yourself Sunday, September 29, how Grafton, Rensselaer County and the entire community comes together to aid neighbors in need.