The Department of Environmental Protection and the Game Commission invite 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 3 in the Rachel Carson State Office Building Auditorium in Harrisburg.

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

Since 1997 a pair of Peregrine Falcons have made their home on the 15th Floor of the Rachel Carson State Office Building. Peregrine Falcons, an endangered species in Pennsylvania, were extremely rare for many years. Yet, through reintroduction programs, Peregrines have adapted to life in urban environments like Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Williamsport.

Each year, DEP and the Game Commission track the activities of these amazing birds of prey and share educational information with the world. The Rachel Carson nest site has been active and reproducing young peregrine falcons for the past eight years.

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

The workshop will feature a number of peregrine falcon experts, including PGC ornithology biologists Dan Brauning and Dr. Art McMorris, ZOOAMERICA Education Coordinator Elaine Gruin, DEP Environmental Educators Jack Farster and Ann Devine, 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 send e-mail to adevine@state.pa.us by March 27. Space is limited, so registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-service basis.

3/7/2008