Don and Jane Veltkamp describe their Birds of Prey Northwest as a place of “refuge, healing and education” for injured and recovering raptors as they prepare them to return to the wild. 

Now, the Veltlkamps could use a little healing themselves.  

Their St. Maries center of operations, where they also live, sustained severe damage in the recent windstorm, when estimated 75 mph winds knocked down or snapped off sections of about 25 large ponderosa pines. Several struck Veltkamp’s home, damaging or destroying aviaries that provided a sanctuary for birds under their care. 

“It will take months to rebuild,” said Jane Veltkamp on Wednesday. “We have lot of cleanup here to do.” 

She said that in their 32 years of running the nonprofit that has rehabbed and released hundreds of birds, this is one of their greatest challenges. While Jane and Don are physically OK, as they were not home when the storm struck, it injured some birds, and others escaped from their damaged aviaries and have not returned. 

Some falcons were trapped in an aviary after a tree fell on it and were provided food and water through a small opening.

"We're doing all we can," Jane Veltkamp said.

Volunteers are rallying to help remove fallen trees and debris, and more work parties are planned. A GoFundMe account started by Heather Mallory has raised about $8,000 to help with repairs.

“Structures that took years to build were ripped apart. Several education birds were injured, and tragically, some were lost. For those of us who know these birds by name, this loss is heartbreaking beyond words,” Mallory wrote. 

Program fees, grants, donations, book sales and other educational materials fund Birds of Prey Northwest. All proceeds go toward daily operations.

The Veltkamps are hoping to rebuild soon. While their home was insured, the aviaries were not. 

Mallory described the task of rebuilding as “enormous."

Volunteers with construction experience are needed, as are monetary donations.

“Your support directly helps rebuild aviaries, replace materials, and ensure that these birds once again have safe spaces to heal and educate. By giving, you are helping protect a mission that matters, not just to this community, but to the wild world we all share,” Mallory said. 

The Veltkamps are going ahead with a fundraising program and silent auction Sunday afternoon at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. The event kicks off at 2:30 and will also include raptor shows at 4 and 6 p.m.  

Jane Veltkamp said the situation is “fairly traumatic,” but she and Don have not lost their sense of humor. 

“We have a few more gray hairs than we had before,” she said with a chuckle. 

    Jane Veltkamp releases a red-tailed hawk above a field off Vogel Road near Worley in August 2024.