DEP to Host Peregrine Falcon Educators' Workshop

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting teachers, homeschoolers, non-formal educators, youth group and scout group leaders to the Peregrine Falcon Educators' Workshop.

The workshop, titled "WILD in the City," will be held in the Rachel Carson State Office Building's auditorium in Harrisburg, on Tuesday, April 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The workshop is sponsored by DEP and the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) in cooperation with ZOOAMERICA North American Wildlife Park.

The workshop will feature a number of peregrine falcon experts, including PGC ornithology biologist Dr. Art McMorris, ZOOAMERICA education coordinator Elaine Gruin, DEP environmental educators Jack Farster and Ann Devine, and Project WILD coordinator Theresa Alberici.

Workshop participants will explore the successes of peregrine falcon reintroduction in Pennsylvania; examine falcon specifics and endangered species concepts; and observe falcons in Harrisburg. Participating teachers are eligible for 5.0 Act 48 credit hours.

Since 1997, a pair of peregrine falcons has made their home on a ledge on the 15th floor of the Rachel Carson building. In September of last year, a new female arrived in the nest.

Peregrine falcons are an endangered species and were extremely rare for many years in Pennsylvania. However, through reintroduction programs, peregrines have adapted to life in urban environments such as Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Williamsport.

Each year, DEP and the PGC track the falcons' activities and share educational information with the world. The Rachel Carson nest site has been active and reproducing young peregrine falcons for the past 11 years.

To register for the workshop, educators should contact DEP's Environmental Education and Information Center at 717-772-1644 or e-mail at [email protected] by April 5, 2011.

Because space is limited, registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those who have not attended this workshop in the past will be given first consideration; those who have will be placed on a waiting list.  

Workshop participants can bring a lunch or visit the snack bar in the Rachel Carson building.

For more information, contact Ann Devine at 717-772-1644 or visit www.dep.state.pa.us.

Media contact: John Repetz, 717-787-1323

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

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