Oak Ridge residents and visitors are invited to learn about birds of prey at a free program hosted by the Owl Ridge Raptor Center on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon. The event will take place in the UT Arboretum Auditorium, 901 S. Illinois Ave., and is organized in partnership with the UT Arboretum Society, Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning (TCWP) and the American Museum of Science and Energy.
Live ambassadors and a mission of recovery
Lisa Thomison, director and co‑founder of the Owl Ridge Raptor Center, will introduce several live raptors that serve as the center’s “ambassadors.” These birds—owls, hawks, falcons, vultures and eagles—are either unreleasable due to permanent injuries or are being cared for while they recover. Thomison explained, “The goal with each bird is full recovery and re‑release back into their habitat, if possible. The birds we will have with us are our ambassadors; they help us raise awareness and promote conservation of these important species.”
About Owl Ridge Raptor Center
Owl Ridge Raptor Center is a nonprofit organization licensed by both state and federal agencies to rehabilitate injured and orphaned birds of prey. The center holds the required federal permit because all raptors are protected under federal and state law. In addition to rehabilitation, the organization provides educational outreach to schools, community groups and the general public.
How to attend
Registration is required for all attendees to ensure seating for the limited 100‑person capacity. Interested participants should register at www.utarboretumsociety.org/programs/. While the program is free, a donation box will be available on site. All contributions go directly to the care, housing and feeding of the raptors.
Practical details
Parking is available at the Arboretum Auditorium; the venue is located about half a mile from the arboretum’s main entrance. For any questions or registration issues, contact Michelle Campanis at [email protected].
Supporting the broader mission
The event underscores the collaborative effort of local conservation groups. TCWP, the UT Arboretum Society and the American Museum of Science and Energy have joined forces to bring wildlife education to the community, reinforcing the importance of stewardship of Tennessee’s natural resources.
For more information about the UT Arboretum Society and upcoming programs, visit www.utarboretumsociety.org.
Original reporting: Knox TN Today — read the source article.
