A Life Built Around Birds
For Brent Lubbock, Sylvan Heights is not something he discovered later in life. It is something he was born into.
At just three years old, his world already revolved around waterfowl. His parents were deeply involved in conservation work in England before pursuing a larger vision in the United States. That journey first led them to Alabama, where they began building a collection of ducks, geese, and swans rooted in both passion and expertise.
A few years later, another opportunity brought them to North Carolina with a goal of creating something that could stand out on a national level. Those early years laid the foundation not only for the business, but for Brent’s lifelong connection to it.
Starting Over to Move Forward
In 1989, the family made a defining move to Scotland Neck, North Carolina.
They did not just relocate. They moved everything. Birds, equipment, and years of work were transported across the state as they started over once again.
The mission never changed, but the reality became clearer over time. Passion alone would not sustain the future. For years, Sylvan Heights operated as a private breeding facility, respected around the world but largely unknown to the public. It was meaningful work, but long term sustainability required a new direction.
“It’s Never Been a Dull Day in My Life Working Here”
By the early 2000s, Brent stepped into a pivotal role.
After graduating from East Carolina University, he recognized the opportunity to evolve what his family had built. Opening Sylvan Heights to the public was not just a strategic decision. It was a transformation.
With support from key partners, the organization expanded its vision, established a nonprofit structure, and created an experience that would allow others to engage with their work. In 2006, Sylvan Heights officially opened its doors.
What had long been a private passion became a destination. Brent played a central role in shaping that transition, helping guide everything from branding to long term growth while staying grounded in the mission.
Rooted in Eastern North Carolina
Sylvan Heights works because of where it is.
Eastern North Carolina offers a culture that understands the land, values the outdoors, and supports the kind of work that Sylvan Heights represents. It is a region where community connection matters and where people take pride in what they build.
Brent sees strong potential for growth across the region, but he also recognizes the importance of protecting what makes it special. Natural resources, local character, and a sense of place are not guaranteed. They require intention.
Sylvan Heights stands as an example of what is possible here. Not because it followed a traditional path, but because it stayed committed to doing something meaningful and doing it well over time.
