By Kevin Robbins

Staff Writer

Two years ago Dave and Peggy Ayers founded the Blandings Park Wildlife Sanctuary. Now, the Ayers are trying to raise enough funds to purchase more land and maintain the sanctuary, which has yet to open.

Pool Street, West Street, Guinea Road and Granite Street in Biddeford enclose the proposed area of the sanctuary.

“There has been so much going on, we are doing everything we can,” Dave Ayers said.

Dave Ayers said they currently have 130 acres of land; however, they want to eventually have 1,000 acres of land. By the end of the year they hope to have 200 acres. He said the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife recommends at least 500 acres be devoted to a wildlife sanctuary for it to be viable for turtles, Dave Ayers said. The Blandings turtle, which is endangered and has been seen in the area, is the sanctuary’s mascot.

Peggy Ayers said a new Web site is in development and should be operating by the end of the year. She also said the main entrance to the sanctuary will be constructed sometime in fall 2008. As of now, there is no public entrance into the park, though there are existing unmarked trails that can be accessed on foot.

Both Dave and Peggy Ayers sit on the park’s board of directors along with Brady Construction owner Paul Brady and Biddeford resident Mary Ellen Charles. In addition, there is an advisory board, a land stewards committee, and an outreach committee.

Brady said he is examining the land for potential trail locations;.However, equipment is needed to create trails and the organization cannot bring equipment in the park until the main entrance has been created, Dave Ayers said.

In order to raise awareness about the sanctuary, the Ayers have hosted  lectures at McArthur Library in Biddeford. A lecture in July showcased reptiles and amphibians in “The Mysteries of Water and Wildlife.” The lectures were free and geared toward children.

Blandings Wildlife Park Sanctuary is currently accepting donations to purchase more land. The sanctuary is classified as a public benefit 501(c)3 land trust, which means any donations to the organization are tax deductible. Dave Ayers said they have raised enough money to pay for expenses, but they need more money to purchase land and expand the sanctuary.

So far, all donations have been private donations. One way they have been fundraising is through personal mail solicitation. Dave Ayers said the organization has not asked for any donations from the city.

“As soon as politics get involved, then you have 11 different opinions,” he said.

The Ayers also said they have not applied for any grants. Dave Ayers said a lot of the grants come with strings attached.

“It is pretty much a win-win situation. Why would anyone be against it? There are a lot of people willing to help,” Dave Ayers said.