RCReptiles.com

[reptilehunter]

Wildlife Festival coming to Lewiston


9/16/2006 - LEWISTON — The New York Power Authority will host the 21st annual Wildlife Festival Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23 and 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free family event will take place at the Niagara Power Project’s Visitors Center (Power Vista) and its surrounding grounds at 5777 Lewiston Road.

The Niagara County Federation of Conservation Clubs and Gander Mountain co-sponsor the Wildlife Festival, which coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day.

“Niagara’s Wildlife Festival is one of some 3,000 hunting and fishing related events staged by conservation organizations nationwide to commemorate the 35th Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day,” said Lori Presti, senior tour guide and coordinator of the Wildlife Festival. “It’s an opportunity to recognize the contributions of hunters and anglers and all those who work to conserve natural resources.”

New presentations for this year’s festival include storytelling by the Niagara University Repertory Theatre, a wildlife scavenger hunt by the Niagara County 4-H Club and additional storytelling by the Wondermakers, with eight different wildlife yarns, including audience participation.

Niagara University Environmental Leadership Institute will provide hands-on crafts and information about local environmental projects. Children will have the chance to create their very own “ladybug” magnet in art workshops. BrightStar, a German shepherd rescue group, will promote the value of adopting and rescuing dogs. Wildlife rehabilitators from AWARE Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Inc. will discuss conditions threatening wildlife today.

Back by popular demand is naturalist Paul Schnell from the Institute for Environmental Learning. He’ll bring along “Liberty the Bald Eagle” and other raptors, such as a screech owl, peregrine, falcon and red tail hawk.

Other returning exhibitors and attractions include: Jeff Musial from “Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics” with presentations about the world of reptiles, mammals and birds from around the world; Buffalo State College Professor Don Birdd, also known as “Dr. ‘B’ Suited for Science,” who will spotlight the unique characteristics of armadillos; renowned Western New York naturalist Carmen Presti of the Primate Sanctuary in Niagara Falls; an air-rifle range and fishing pond, courtesy of the NCFCC and the Niagara River Anglers Association, respectively; interpretive nature programs by the New York State Department of Parks and Recreation on various hiking adventures.

The Wildlife Festival at the Power Vista is held rain or shine and admission and parking is free. For more information, call 286-6661, 1-866-NYPA-FUN or visit www.nypa.gov for a complete schedule of activities.

[GingerValentine]

Do you have the full address for this place, or a link to their site?

[reptilehunter]

The website for The Wildlife Festival is

http://www.nypa.gov/press/2001/010910a.htm