Fall Raptor Release

MEDIA ALERT
For Immediate Release

Contact: Mariah Carroll, College of Veterinary Medicine, 612-624-7231

What:  Fall Raptor Release

When: Saturday, September 30, 2006

 Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., with releases at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Where: Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, Rockford, Minn.

Why:    The Fall Raptor Release is co-sponsored by Three Rivers Park District and The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. The event is free and parking fees are waived.  Visitors are reminded that pets are not allowed at the event.  During this exciting celebration, participants can:

• Observe and photograph The Raptor Center’s ambassador eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls up close and personal. 
• Live music by regional Emmy Award winning Michael Monroe. 
• Measure your wingspan and many other fun children’s activities
• Win a chance to release a raptor

Directions:  Lake Rebecca Park Reserve is about 30 miles west of Minneapolis. Take Hwy 55 to Cty Rd 50.

For more information please contact The Raptor Center at 612-624-9753.

Background:  Established in 1974 within the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota, The Raptor Center is internationally known for pioneering and perfecting techniques in avian medicine and surgery, restoring the peregrine falcon in the Midwest, and advancing the health of raptors and other avian species through ongoing research. In addition to training veterinarians and veterinary professionals from all over the world, The Raptor Center encourages the public to protect raptors and the world we share through school, community, and Web-based education programs, and rehabilitation and release of injured raptors.

The Fall Raptor Release is co-sponsored by Three Rivers Park District, whose mission is to promote environmental stewardship through recreation and education in a natural resources-based park system.  The Park District provides habitat for raptors within its 27,000 acres of park reserves, regional parks and special-use facilities.

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