Did a small Pennsylvania sanctuary overlooking two tiny rural towns launch the environmental movement? Hawk Mountain Sanctuary offers a resounding yes.

Recognized worldwide as the first refuge for birds of prey, the nonprofit that operates Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, between Drehersville in Schuylkill County and Kempton in Berks, and this year celebrates 90 years.

The Sanctuary will host a May 10-12 celebration starting Friday evening with its first “Benefit for the Birds” held under a big tent on the Sanctuary property and coinciding with its first-ever trainee reunion and 1934 Challenge fundraiser..

“Historically, our benefit was held offsite at a catering facility, but people want to be here at Hawk Mountain and the 90th anniversary offered the perfect occasion to do so,” says President Sean Grace.

On Friday evening the Sanctuary will host its annual Benefit with a twist, celebrating with its local and global community on top of the Mountain and enjoying a late spring evening with good food, live music, avian ambassadors, and a raffle of unique prizes all to benefit the Sanctuary.

Earlier that day, Hawk Mountain will launch its inaugural 1934 Challenge, prompting the community to support the Sanctuary with donations of $19, $34, or $90 over the course of 1934 minutes, or just over 32 hours.

The challenge will kick off at 11 a.m. and conclude at 7:14 p.m. on Saturday. Donations will be collected via an online link that will be posted at launch.

Global Raptor Symposium

On Saturday, a full day of talks from graduates of the Sanctuary’s international training program will focus on the status of global raptor conservation. The symposium will take place in the amphitheater.

Cost is $10/person and includes trail admission as well as the chance to come and go throughout the day and take advantage of a food truck.

Click Here to register.

Hawk Mountain’s acclaimed International Trainee Program is a three-month-long residential and fully immersive experience that his produced some of the most impressive names in conservation today.

To date, more than 500 up-and-coming conservationists from 78 countries on six continents have graduated the program.

An invite-only Mimosa Morning will wrap up the weekend, allowing current and past trainees, staff, volunteers, board members, and supporters to mingle and enjoy a spring morning on the mountain while discussing raptor conservation opportunities and more.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary website or call 610-756-6961.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Sanctuary, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, visit them on Flickr and visit their YouTube Channel.  Click Here to support Hawk Mountain.

[Posted: April 30, 2024]

5/6/2024