Celebrate “Unplug and Be Outside, Idaho” with special activities at World Center for Birds of Prey, April 21-22

BOISE, Idaho – Switch off the TV and video games, load up the kids, and head to the World Center for Birds of Prey, April 21-22, for an outdoor experience with birds of prey during the “Unplug and Be Outside, Idaho” celebration.

Visitors can check out the new interpretive trail with scenic views of the Boise Valley and Foothills. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a scavenger hunt will encourage kids and families to look for birds of prey, plants, and wildlife along the trail. Those who complete the activity will receive a free Birds of Prey calendar.

The trail extends for a quarter-mile to a knoll, where a gazebo and benches provide a relaxing place to enjoy the scenery and watch for birds. There is no charge to walk on the trail or participate in the scavenger hunt.

Inside the Velma Morrison Interpretive Center, there will be hands-on displays and interactive activities for visitors of all ages, including live bird demonstrations and tours of the Archives of Falconry.

 “Unplug and Be Outside, Idaho” is a weeklong community event, April 21-28, that encourages families to leave their screens behind and explore outside activities. Formed in 2007, Be Outside Idaho is a coalition of 150 agencies and organizations dedicated to encouraging children to spend time in nature for their physical, mental, and emotional health.

Details:
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 21-22
Where: World Center for Birds of Prey, 5668 W. Flying Hawk Lane
Interpretive Center Admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 youth (age 4-16) 
Bird presentations: 9:45 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4 p.m.
Archives of Falconry tours: 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Driving directions: From I-84, take Cole Road exit and continue south on Cole Road for 6 miles to Flying Hawk Lane.
 

The Velma Morrison Interpretive Center opened in 1994 at the World Center for Birds of Prey, which was established by The Peregrine Fund in Boise, Idaho, in 1984. The interpretive center features interactive displays, multi-media shows, and live demonstrations with hawks, falcons, eagles and owls. Visitors may observe live California Condors, a Harpy Eagle and other birds of prey. The environmental education program has three components: general public, school-endorsed programs, and outreach. All three use live raptors as an avenue for promoting conservation of birds of prey and their habitat. The interpretive center draws approximately 30,000 visitors annually.

The Archives of Falconry (originally called The Archives of American Falconry) was founded in 1986 by The Peregrine Fund to collect and preserve the history of American falconers. The growing collection eventually reflected the international origins of this ancient sport, and the name was changed in 2000 to the Archives of Falconry. In 2006, the Archives grew significantly with construction of a wing that honors falconry in the Middle East, where the sport is more than 3,000 years old. The only one of its kind, the Archives contains art, books, sculpture and artifacts – many of them priceless. It is open for public tours daily.

The Peregrine Fundwas founded in 1970 to restore the Peregrine Falcon, which was removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 1999. That success encouraged the organization to expand its focus and apply its experience and understanding to raptor conservation efforts on behalf of 102 species in 65 countries worldwide, including the California Condor and Aplomado Falcon in the United States. The organization is non-political, solution-oriented and hands-on, with a mission to:

  • Restore rare species through captive breeding and releases.
  • Improve capacity for local conservation.
  • Conduct scientific research and environmental education.
  • Conserve habitat.

For more information, contact:

Erin Katzner
Director of Global Engagement
Main Phone:     208-362-3716
Direct Phone:     208-362-8277