In 1994, we created "Education On The Wing" to take wildlife education to the general public. Our experience showed that many animals brought to our center for treatment were unnecessarily rescued. Others had injuries that resulted from contact with our expanding civilization. We believe that people who are properly informed can live side-by-side with their wild neighbors.
"Education On The Wing" focuses on the natural history of native and migratory wildlife found in Illinois. Program Director Jacques Nuzzo also details ways to prevent wildlife encounters that may be harmful to both people and animals. In addition, our programs stress the need to observe conservation laws.
Nuzzo and Executive Director Jane Seitz travel
the state of Illinois to present programs at schools and before
civic organizations or conservation groups.
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17,267, 126, 22 The Illinois Raptor Center's traveling Education On The Wing programs reached 17,267 people in 2006. A total of 126 individual programs were conducted across Illinois. |
New for this year were 22 programs conducted on-site at our new educational pavilion, including Raptor Camps for kids and adults. The Illinois Raptor Center is grateful to everyone who has invited us to share what we know about Illinois wildlife. Thanks for a great 2006! |
Traveling with a selection of permanently injured or non-releasable birds of prey, Nuzzo presents a funny, informative and imaginative program. Programs can be tailored specifically to age groups and audience size. From the diminutive saw whet owl to the awesome power of a golden eagle, our Wildlife Ambassadors inspire and inform.
To the right is a list of current educational programs offered. As we are developing new programs all the time, the list may change and evolve. Programs can be customized to match curriculum or specific interests.
Click here for brief descriptions of our educational programs
Thank you from Mrs. Furgal's "Fantastic First Graders" at Bradley East Elementary School in Bradley, Illinois.
Thank you for your interest in our educational efforts. We believe people are more likely to protect wildlife once they become aware of the diversity and beauty of Illinois' native and migratory inhabitants.
Birds of prey were chosen to be "Wildlife Ambassadors" because one of our primary messages is that wild birds and animals should be left alone. With their powerful talons and menacing gaze, birds of prey reinforce the message that wild animals are not cuddly and cannot be kept as pets.
Because birds of prey live largely out of sight in the natural world, many people get their first closeup look at an owl or hawk during one of our programs.
The Illinois Raptor Center offers a variety of educational programs. Prices vary according to number of birds needed for the program, size of audience and distance traveled.
Educational Programs available include:
Raptors 101
Owls of Illinois
Illinois Endangered Species
Illinois Night Shift: Nocturnal Birds of Prey
Illinois Day Shift: Diurnal Birds of Prey
Ancient Falconry In The Modern World
Discovering Nature
How To Help Without Hurting
Illinois Eagles
Illinois Falcons