Union, WV (WOAY)- In June, the U.S. Forest Service closed the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory tower after engineers found the iconic structure to be unsafe.
Plans are underway to rebuild the observatory to meet Forest Service standards.
The historic site is one of the oldest hawk watch points in the eastern U.S., playing a critical role in tracking bird migrations and contributing to global research networks like the Motus system.
In response, the Friends of Monroe launched a fund for tax-deductible donations, dedicated solely to the reconstruction of the tower.
So far, the community has raised approximately $16,000 through the Greenbrier Valley Community Foundation and Friends of Monroe, but more funding is still needed.
There’s no set timeline yet as permits and contracts are still in process.
If you care about conservation, birding, or preserving a vital piece of our natural heritage, visit hangingrocktower.org to donate or learn more.
