About Us
The mission of the Black Hills Raptor Center is to conserve and protect native birds of prey and their natural habitats through education, rehabilitation, and research.
We provide 125-150 educational programs annually using live raptors. We present in classrooms, at youth programs, in the community, and for special events.
We are growing! Building is in progress for a new facility to house our education birds. Our long-term goal is to create a facility that can be visited by the public, will provide raptor rehabilitation services in western South Dakota, and will conduct scientific research on birds found in our region.
We are a not-for-profit organization with a 501(c) 3 status from the Internal Revenue Service.
Mailing Address:
Black Hills Raptor Center
PO Box 48, Caputa, SD 57725
Our birds and volunteers
Our Board of
Directors
Darrel Baker, DDS
Dr. Baker is a retired Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon and a 13-year veteran, having served as a Commander in the U.S. Navy. He has 40 + years in multiple leadership roles and dealing with acute trauma have helped him meet beaks and talons with a smile. He brings to the Board innovation, construction skills, an understanding of medicine, and love of raptors. He currently serves as the Board secretary.
Jackie Baker
Jackie is a retired educator and event planner. Her special interests include working with children, grant writing, and wildlife. As a Board member she assists BHRC in a wide range of capacities.
Peggy Behrens, DVM
Dr. Behrens is our veterinarian of record for federal permits. She has special interest in rehabilitation of raptors. She was the head of the NAU vet tech program for 30 years before her retirement in the spring of 2018. She currently serves as the Board Vice-President.
Steven Benn, MD
Dr. Benn is a retired neonatologist and former medical director of the neonatal intensive care unit at Monument Health. He is interested in education of children, falconry, and brings business acumen and knowledge of animals to the Board. He currently serves as the Board President.
Maggie Engler
Co-founder and Executive Director (non voting member of the Board)
Maggie is a specialized tutor who works for Rapid City Dyslexia Care. She is a professional conservation educator and interpreter with 41 years’ experience in the field. She also has 14 years of experience as a professional fundraiser. She is critical to the rehabilitation efforts of the organization. She serves as the volunteer coordinator for the BHRC, and does some of the avian training work.
Leon Fenhaus
Leon is retired from the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49. He has also served as a lobbyist in Washington DC. His ability to negotiate, and his understanding of business processes, is invaluable to the board. He currently serves as the Board Treasurer.
Joel Milos
Joel is a Business Tools Specialist with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. He brings a passion for educating the public about native raptors and building appreciation for the natural world. He received his B.S. in Rangeland Wildlife Management from Chadron State College in Nebraska.
Tristen Polensky
Tristen works in communications and marketing for the Land Trust Alliance and Tri-State Livestock News. She grew up on a farm in southwest North Dakota before moving to the Black Hills to earn her degree at Black Hills State University. Her adoration of birds and the natural world led her to the Black Hills Raptor Center. She creates our monthly Views from the Mews.
Elizabeth Roberts
Zoey works in finance with the Department of Defense. She served in the Security Forces of the US Air Force for 4 years. She transitioned to public and contracted security, where she worked for more than 10 years. She has been a volunteer at BHRC since 2020, with her primary focus on daily care of ambassadors, and inspiring next generations at events.
Jeffery Sugrue
Jeff served 32 years in the US Army, retiring in 2011 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He has volunteered as a Council Commissioner for the Boy Scouts and Fire Chief of the Silver City Volunteer Fire Department. His expertise includes recruiting, fundraising, strategic planning, training, and also general contracting. He is the head of our Construction Committee. He is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Forestry.
BHRC is a member of THRIVENT CHOICE
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