During the first official eagle count Dec. 5 along the Skagit River from Newhalem to SedroWoolley 152 eagle were seen.
The Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Interpretive Center will be opening for its sixth season on December 15”. The Interpretive Center, located at the Rockport Fire Hall will be open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Monday holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Feb. 18, 2001.
The Interpretive Center will be hosting a diverse program of informative speakers on Eagles and the Skagit River Ecosystem. Learn about ivatershed ecology, local history. and all kinds of watchable wildlife. Starting Dec. 29, 2001, guest speakers will be present at 11:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Guided walks will also be offered Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 pm. Special Friday programs wiill be held by arrangement only.
Scheduled speakers so far are:
Dec. 29, Jim Harris, a retired National Park Ranger who grew up on the Skagit; Jan. 5, Sarvey Wildlife presentation at noon with live birds. Jan. 12, Sarvey Wildlife presentation at noon; Jan. 19, Jon Reidel (details later); Jan. 26, Dick Knight.
Informative staff and hosts, including two Experience International interns, will be on hand at the Interpretive Center to answer questions, give directions and suggest eagle-watching locations. Displays, a Lee Mann photograph exhibit, handouts, books, children’s activities, slide shows and video presentations provide in-depth information about the winter gathering of bald eagles, one of the laroest populations In the lower 48 states. Besides being a great starting point for eagle watching. the Interpretive Center will also have souvenir items and nature cifts for sale.
This year’s Interpretive Center coordinator is Brenda Green. For the last six years Green has been working in the natural resources field with Oregon state parks. If you have any questions of would like to volunteer at the Interpretive Center, call Green at (360) 853-7614.
The Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Interpretive Center is the result of a parmership between The Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival, The US Forest Service, Northwest Interpretive Association, and Fire District No. 19 in Rockport. Other groups from the area give additional support. The center could not be open without the help of the many volunteers.
