The vision and consistent support of Chet Roe was the major impetus for the development of the Wood Duck Heritage Preserve. His tireless efforts will long be remembered by the Opelika community and Lee County Alabama at large.

Roger Johnson (center) was and is very instrumental in the formation and development of the preserve.

In late November 2007, Dr. Gary Hepp (right), School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, toured the proposed site of the Refuge and provided his thoughts and suggestions. Dr. Hepp was impressed with the site and felt it would qualify as an excellent refuge for wood ducks.