On January 14th and 15th, programming at Petit Jean State Park will be focused on our national symbol: the bald eagle. A variety of programs will be offered, including field trips to Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge to see wintering bald eagles. At 1:00 pm on Saturday afternoon, Lynn Sciumbato, veteran raptor rehabilitator, will give a free exhibition of some live birds in her care. Other free programs will also be offered. Schedules may be seen online at http://www.petitjeanstatepark.com/. Click on “Things to Do” and see the “Calendar of Events.” Further information on Eagle Awareness Weekend is available by calling 501-727-6510 or 501-727-6512.
In July 1995 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stated the bald eagle had recovered sufficiently to change its status from “endangered” to “threatened” in most of the nation. By the summer of 2007, bald eagles had shown a dramatic recovery and were “de-listed” from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Federal protection programs and tremendous public support led to this recovery.
Visitors are invited to gain an appreciation of our national symbol by taking advantage of the weekend’s free programs. Park staff will be assisting visitors with searching for eagles as well as other interesting birds and animals found in the Petit Jean area.
For additional information, contact the park at petitjean@arkansas.com or (501) 727-5441.
Raptor Rehabilitator Lynn Sciumbato with a Red-tailed Hawk
Photograph by Rachel Engebrecht
