South Dakota Bald Eagle Awareness Week Feb. 20-25
OutdoorHub 02.22.12
Bald Eagle Awareness Days celebrates its 20th year of entertainment and education in South Dakota, emphasizing the need for conservation and appreciation of bald eagles and other birds of prey.
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed February 20-25, 2012 as Bald Eagle Awareness Week in South Dakota.
People can choose from three free events this week.
On Thursday, Feb. 23, The Outdoor Campus-East in Sioux Falls is having an open house at 6 p.m., followed by a 6:30 p.m. program featuring live birds of prey by educators from The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota.
The Outdoor Campus-West in Rapid City is hosting a “drop-in” day from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25. All ages can participate in hands-on stations featuring all things birds of prey. Black Hills Raptor Center will conduct a public presentation with live birds of prey at 2 p.m. MST.
Also on Saturday, Feb. 25, educators from The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota will present programs featuring live birds of prey at the Pierre Ramkota Inn in Theatre II, in conjunction with the KCCR Farm, Home and Sports Show. Pierre Ramkota programs begin at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. CST. The Ramkota programs will feature raptor arts and crafts for younger children.
Bald Eagle Awareness Days activities will also feature presentations on Friday, Feb. 24 for students in Pierre and Fort Pierre. Winners of the Bald Eagle Awareness Days Bookmark Art Contest will be announced and winning entries displayed at the Ramkota Inn on Feb. 25.
The annual event is a joint effort by local organizations, merchants and conservation agencies to increase public involvement and awareness about bald eagles and other birds of prey. All ages are encouraged to attend.
For more information about Bald Eagle Awareness Days, visit this Department of Game, Fish and Parks Internet site: http://gfp.sd.gov/outdoor-learning/bald-eagle-awareness-days/default.aspx or contact Eileen Dowd Stukel with GFP at 605-773-4229.
