FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Heather Siano
(203) 259-6305 ext. 103

Seventh Annual Connecticut Audubon Society Eagle Festival Returns to Essex Connecticut
“Largest Birding Festival in North America” set for February 18-19, 2006

Essex, Conn. - Seven years ago the idea of staging an Eagle Festival to celebrate the return of the Bald Eagle became a reality in the harbor side town of Essex, Connecticut. The return of the eagles to the unfrozen waters of the Connecticut River is a perfect example of CAS’ mission – to conserve, educate and advocate for Connecticut’s natural resources.

“Eagles in Flight”

One of the most exciting moments of the Eagle Festival is our “Eagles in Flight” program. Last year, approximately 250 students from Hartford and the surrounding areas spent a day outside the City. Students cruised down the Connecticut River on our Eagle Boats where they spotted eagles and other birds. For many students, it was their first time on a boat! While on the Eagle Cruise, students also learned about river ecology with a focus on water quality and its effects on birds. The program included a Live Birds of Prey demonstration, which highlighted the raptors who call Connecticut home, and the Ecology Tent where CAS teachers/naturalists conducted programs on the ecology of Connecticut including Long Island Sound and Connecticut’s endangered species. In support of Connecticut’s educators, CAS’ “Eagles in Flight” program supports the state’s science frameworks.

Eagle Festival 2006 proves to be the most exciting yet! CAS will incorporate more of its own programming into the weekend and will expand our “Eagles in Flight” program with the hope of introducing more school children to the wonders of the natural world.

EcoForum

In 2006, the EcoForum, New England’s Premier Eco-Event, will feature Phil Donahue and Dr. James Watson, Pulitzer Prize winning biologist and co-discoverer of the DNA molecule. The event will be held Saturday evening, February 18, 2006 at the historic Ivoryton Playhouse. In 2005, the first annual EcoForum featured scientist and Pulitzer Prize wining author Dr. E.O. Wilson and TV Personality Phil Donahue.

Eagle-Viewing Guided Tours

Eagle-viewing guided tours on heated boats along the Connecticut River will be offered over the Festival weekend (reserved tickets are required and are the only activity cost associated with the Festival). Boats will depart at 9a.m., 11:30 am and 2 pm both Saturday and Sunday from Steamboat Dock for two-hour tours. Advanced reservations are required and can be obtained by calling 1-800-714-7201.
Ticket prices:
9AM Early Bird Special
Adults $35, Children 12 and Under $20, 4 and under FREE!

11:30AM All Passengers
$40, 4 and under FREE!

2PM Family Special
Adults $35, Children 12 and Under $20, 4 and under FREE!

Festival Programming

Visitors can also enjoy a wide variety of FREE activities at the Festival including a mid-day parade, land-based eagle viewing tours, environmental lectures and live birds of prey demonstrations. Throughout the weekend, there will also be environmental presentations, nature exhibits, music, carriage rides down Main Street, ice carvings and entertainment.

Free shuttle buses will be provided from designated parking lots around town to various Eagle Festival destinations.

“We are delighted that Mr. Donahue and Ms. Thomas have joined us in support of this unique Connecticut event. It is with great pleasure that we partner again with the Festival’s Presenting sponsor, Pratt & Whitney, on this event that offers so many free and creative opportunities to learn more about eagles and the environment,” said Mr. Martinez, CAS President.

Joining the Eagle Festival’s Presenting Sponsor, Pratt & Whitney and Founding Sponsor Select Energy are other corporate sponsors including Yankee Gas Service Company, Connecticut Light & Power, Essex Savings Bank, Webster Bank, The Hartford Courant, North Cove Outfitters, Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, Bank of New York and Southern Connecticut Gas Company among others.

To find out more information about the Eagle Festival 2006, visit Connecticut Audubon’s web site at www.ctaudubon.org.

Founded in 1898, Connecticut Audubon Society is an independent, statewide, non-profit membership organization dedicated to providing excellence in environmental education, encouraging the conservation of the state's natural resources and advocating for enlightened public policy on ecological matters. The Connecticut Audubon Society operates nature facilities in Fairfield, Milford, Glastonbury and Pomfret as well as an EcoTravel office in Essex and an Environmental Advocacy office in Hartford. Connecticut Audubon Society manages 19 wildlife sanctuaries around the state preserving over 2,600 acres of open space. Connecticut Audubon Society is not affiliated with National Audubon, Audubon Connecticut or the state government of Connecticut. For membership and other information, please visit www.ctaudubon.org

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