[/av_textblock] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” custom_class=”] The American Eagle Foundation strongly believes that all generations should be educated about nature, the environment, and the beauty of Bald Eagles and birds of prey.
An AEF outreach program on February 7th at Lake Guntersville State Park in Alabama featured a Birds of Prey show conducted by Beth Parker and Brittany Barajas. The event, which educated the public about our feathered friends and featured many of the AEF’s educational non-releasable birds, was enjoyed by people of all ages! (L), Beth presents Cujo, a male black vulture; (R), Brittany holds Tecumseh, a non-releasable Golden Eagle.
In Sevier County, where the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) is located, we offer a variety of Birds of Prey shows at no charge. For several years, the AEF has partnered with a local environmental educational program for sixth graders throughout the county at the Eugene W Huskey Environmental Center in Pittman Center, TN. Twice weekly, the AEF conducts a Birds of Prey program for different county school children visiting the Environmental Center.
In addition, the AEF presents many other Birds of Prey shows at venues such as local schools, libraries, parks, Eagle Scout ceremonies, and veteran & military events.
While on the road with non-releasable Bald Eagle Challenger (and sometimes Mr. Lincoln), the AEF will typically choose a school or veterans’ home to visit. At the schools, students thoroughly enjoy seeing Challenger up close in their classroom or school gymnasium, and marvel as he performs flight demonstrations right in front of their eyes! In addition, the students learn about the work of the AEF and other conservation groups with similar missions. At the conclusion of all the AEF Challenger programs, the AEF presents the school principal or librarian a copy of Challenger, America’s Favorite Eagle (a beautifully illustrated storybook by Margot Theis Raven.)
L-R: Outreach program at the Challenger Elementary and Middle School in Huntsville, AL. It was the 25th anniversary of the school, and also Challenger’s 25th birthday. The mascot for this school is also the eagle! (R), Laura Cecere Sterbens holds Challenger while visiting a military veteran in Pittsburg, PA.