Bright Future For Dinos!

Save the Dinosaurs

Many thanks to all the neighbors who responded to the Save the Dinosaurs from Extinction Campaign! Total funds raised from the 2025 campaign were $3480. These funds covered the cost of installing, storing, and maintaining the dinosaur display for the 2025 LITH event. The cost to install, remove and store the dinos was just over $3000 this year, and thanks to your generous contributions we were able to cover the cost and have some funds remaining for maintenance! Your continued support will be needed to ensure the dinosaurs return to the esplanade in 2026.

And Speaking of Maintenance

A long term plan is in the works to keep the dinosaurs maintained and grow the number of volunteers who can help with the maintenance – while learning the art of dinosaur making! A win win for everyone! Not only do you get to learn how the display is made – you also get to meet neighbors who are interested in artwork as well! Some of this work is better attempted while the dinosaurs are still hanging. Other work may be best for next year just before the dinosaurs are brought out from storage to be installed again.

Additionally, we are starting a graphic library of all our dino designs. This will make it easier when a rebuild is needed so there’s good documentation on what colors go where, etc. If you or any member of your household has graphic talents, we would love to talk to you about helping with the design library.

And finally, we need for volunteers who are available and interested in either working on some maintenance or being part of a build workshop.

The maintenance for this year will happen over the first 2 weekends in January, but the build workshop could come any time. We would likely design something smallish to get folks used to the methods of the build.

If you would like more information on dino builds, how you can help or on volunteering email dino@woodland-heights.org.

SAVE THE DINOSAURS FROM EXTINCTION!

Since 2008, the Norhill Esplanade has hosted an unlikely array of prehistoric creatures, glittering and shining along its perimeters, all ready to celebrate LITH. These creatures, Brontosaurus, winged Pterodactyls, and more, have become a cherished part of our community, bringing joy and wonder to the holiday season.

Now, some may say, these creatures are not necessarily creatures you’d expect to see taking to the skies with Rudolph. But here in the Woodland Heights, they do. Taking to the trees to spread their unique and whimsical version of Holiday magic to everyone’s delight.

These unlikely prehistoric Santa’s helpers are made possible by the creative talents of Ward and Susan Pennebaker, who have gifted the neighborhood and its youth with a priceless present celebrating the love of the artistic, creative, quirky, and whimsical to brighten the holiday season. And along the way, they have brightened their neighbors’ lives and inspired them to embrace the uniqueness of Woodland Heights, keeping it a ‘Big Little Community.’

Evolving With the Times

Neighborhood legend says that the first dinosaur, a giant Brotasaurus made on a chicken wire base, took its first steps onto the esplanade around 2008. It was a family project, concocted between Ward, his son Andrew (Drew), and his college roommate James. Little could they imagine at that time that this first giant reptile would leave such lasting giant footprints in the hearts of so many of their neighbors.

Since then, the dinosaurs have evolved. Shedding their chicken wire armature for more lightweight and durable skeletal structures and upgrading their incandescent lights to LEDs. But despite their upgrade efforts, the Norhill Esplanade Dinosaurs are once again facing a crisis.

The increasing costs of maintenance, storage, and repairs could trigger a mass extinction event for these beloved creatures. Their popularity has created a need for professional assistance with their upkeep and deployment. Up to now, Norhill neighbors have stepped up - quietly funding the effort to keep the Dinosaurs glowing every LITH.

Saving the Dinosaurs from Extinction

Now, the WHCA is joining the Norhill neighbors’ efforts, and we’re inviting you to join us as well by contributing to the ‘Save the Dinosaurs from Extinction’ fund. Your donation to this newly created fund can keep the dinosaurs walking among the Norhill trees every LITH. You can make your contribution to the effort at the WHCA store.

It’s a great way to say thank you for the delight these creatures have brought throughout the years. It’s also a great way to continue sparking the imagination and delight in a child’s eyes during the Holiday season.

There are various donation levels you can make to the fund for the care and feeding (tongue-in-cheek) of the dinosaurs. We hope you’ll take a moment to visit the WHCA store and make a contribution.. We hope you’ll take a moment to visit the WHCA store and make a contribution.

- Estella Espinosa, Director of Communications