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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 25, 2012) – Heifer Ranch in Perryville, a Heifer International learning center, is intact and thriving as it marks the one-year anniversary of the tornado that struck on a stormy day in 2011.
Although the twister destroyed several buildings, tore up dozens of trees and scattered several chickens as it ploughed across the Ranch, all the vital components of the educational facility were spared and no one was hurt. One year later, the Ranch is healed and ready for a busy summer.
Ranch Director Keisha Patterson says the Ranch was able to recover quickly and focus on teaching about hunger and poverty due to the support of the local community and the entire Heifer “family.” Headquarters staff helped with the immediate clean up, and dozens of local volunteers helped clear the debris and mend fencing, some bringing their own equipment.
After the tornado hit on April 25, 2012, five chickens were unaccounted for, but otherwise all workers, visitors and animals were safe. The Ranch shut down for one week in order to clear debris, and months later, after the summer’s tourism traffic decreased, the Ranch brought in heavy machinery to take out tree stumps and fill in holes.
Patterson says she is grateful for the community spirit that helped the Ranch recover. Throughout the summer, visiting educational groups with service components devoted their time to helping clean up the Ranch.
Ten structures on the Ranch were destroyed or damaged by the twister. Now, the site of one old barn has already been converted into pasture. Patterson said visitors today will see a different landscape. “They’ll be able to see clearer, because the trees that used to stand along the entrance are pasture now.”
“I am thankful that no people were injured,” Patterson said. “We did have a group here from L.A. and they were eating dinner when the tornado warning hit. But we have safety measures in place and the employees and volunteers acted as they should have. They were able to get everyone to safety.”
The Learning Center at Heifer Ranch introduces participants to the idea that one person can make a difference in ending hunger and poverty, with programs ranging from Ranch tours to multi-night programs. Experiential, hands-on, interactive and fun, Heifer Ranch is also a farm complete with gardens and animals including water buffalo, camels and traditional farm animals such as pigs, goats and more.
About Heifer International:
Heifer’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in 40 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant.For more information on Heifer International’s work in the U.S., visit www.heifer.org or call1-800-696-1918.
