The Department of Environmental Protection invites teachers, non-formal educators, homeschoolers, and youth group and scout leaders to attend a free, Peregrine Falcon Educator’s Workshop, WILD in the City, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., April 5, in the Rachel Carson State Office Building’s auditorium in Harrisburg.

Registrations are due March 28.

The workshop is sponsored by DEP and the Game Commission, in cooperation with ZOOAMERICA North American Wildlife Park of Hershey.

Since 1997, a pair of Peregrine falcons has made its home on the 15th Floor of the Rachel Carson State Office Building in downtown Harrisburg. The falcon pair has reproduced successfully since 2000. Each year, DEP and the Game Commission track the activities of these amazing birds of prey and share educational information with the world via the Internet.

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 5.5 credit hours under Act 48. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

The workshop will feature a number of peregrine falcon experts, including PGCornithology biologist Dan Brauning, ZOOAMERICA Education Coordinator Elaine Gruin, DEP Environmental Educator Jack Farster, Project WILD Coordinator Theresa Alberici and others.

To register for the Peregrine falcon workshop, educators should contact DEP’s Environmental Education and Information Center at 717-772-1644, or e-mail adevine@state.pa.us by March 28. Space is limited, so registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-service basis.

For more information, visit the DEP Peregrine Falcons.

2/9/2007