Earth Day tribute includes raptor show
The natural wildlife that typically inhabits the area near Columbia County Amphitheater will have company Saturday.
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As a tribute to Earth Day, The Center for Wildlife Education and the Lamar Q. Ball Jr. Raptor Center at Georgia Southern University will present an educational program behind the Evans library featuring a raptor flight show at noon.
For precautionary purposes, pets are not allowed at the event.
"Pets are not exactly welcome when it comes to raptors," said Pam Harley, business manager of the center. "If the area is free of dogs, we will do flight shows, and that is just flying them from person to person so that the audience can see the birds actually fly."
The presentation, led by center director and master falconer Steve Hein, will showcase hawks, owls and possibly a bald eagle as well as a variety of reptiles, Harley said.
The free program will last about 45 minutes to a hour.
A booth displaying the animals will be set up after the presentation for a more close-up experience.
"For a hour after the program, we will be in a booth set up and the animals that were involved with the program will be on display, so that people can come up and ask questions," Harley said.
The raptor and reptile display is part of the county's Earthfest 2010, which includes several other activities.
The festival will start at 10 a.m. and last until 2 p.m. Entertainment for children includes nature-related arts and crafts, inflatable activities, games and an art contest.
Several environmentally-friendly vendors will be on hand, Columbia County Community Events Manager Stacie Adkins said, along with food and drink vendors.
Green Programs Manager Jenny Hinton said a butterfly release is set for 1:15 p.m.
Though Earth Day was recognized this year on April 22, Adkins said that more residents could commemorate the occasion if a festival were planned for the weekend.
"This is a way to have it on a Saturday when more people could come out and celebrate and have a good time," she said.
For information, call (706) 312-7195 or visit www.columbiacountyga.gov.