The UT Arboretum Society invites you to join the American Eagle Foundation for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of their resident raptors, including the charismatic bald eagle ambassadors in a virtual presentation on Thursday, May 13th.  On this digital tour, Dr. Robyn Miller will guide participants in learning about eagles and other raptors’ roles within our ecosystem, how AEF cares for them, and how we can help protect them. The nonprofit American Eagle Foundation is headquartered in East Tennessee in Pigeon Forge.

The American Eagle Foundation has a longstanding history in the conservation of bald eagles and other birds of prey. Over the course of more than 30 years, the organization has released 180 bald eagles back into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. 

“The conservation efforts of citizens, lawmakers and organizations like us have culminated in the bald eagle’s triumphant comeback from the brink of extinction. Recent studies have found that the population has quadrupled since the last count,” explains Dr. Miller.

                While completing her PhD in literature at Auburn University, Dr. Miller started volunteering at a local raptor facility in 2012. She decided to pursue raptor education as a full-time career upon graduating and joined American Eagle Foundation’s team in 2018. As an educator and falconer, she hopes to share her partnership with raptors as a force for good, inspiring a passion for avian conservation in the hearts of generations to come.

This is a virtual Zoom presentation and registration for this free online event is required. To register go to: utarboretumsociety.org  and click on the event. The program will be recorded.  Please contact Michelle Campanis at mcampani@utk.edu with any questions or registration issues.

In accordance with the University of Tennessee guidelines for COVID-19 precautions, programs are currently being presented online.  Though the UT Arboretum Society’s educational programs are not on-site activities, the UT Arboretum Society is pleased to bring the public some great online options.

The Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014, is one of ten outdoor laboratories located throughout the state as part of the UT AgResearch system. AgResearch is a division of the UT Institute of Agriculture. The Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the UT Herbert College of Agriculture, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension offices, with locations in every county in the state.

To learn more about the Arboretum Society or for questions on this program, go to www.utarboretumsociety.org