Farming for Wildlife

Presentations in the Auditorium

10:00 am – 10:30 am 
Farming for Wildlife
Jim Eckler, Jim Eckler, Senior Wildlife Biologist with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) will present an overview of how the state lands that make up the Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area are "farmed" to create and restore the habitats for birds and other wildlife.

10:30 am – 11:00 am 
Fabulous Frogs
Becky Williams, Montezuma Audubon Center Intern, will introduce you to the frogs of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. She will present their natural history and habitat needs, introduce live Wood, Green, Gray Tree and Northern Leopard Frogs, teach frog calls, and explain why people are concerned about the decline of amphibian populations.

11:00 am - 12:00 pm 
Raptors in the Modern World!
Paul and Anne Schnell of the Institute for Environmental Learning, www.ielraptors.org. This presentation will explore the natural history of birds of prey and the impact that humans have on the environment today. Five species of raptors, including a bald and golden eagle will be part of this exciting program.

1:00 - 2:00 pm 
Raptors in the Modern World!
Paul and Anne Schnell of the Institute for Environmental Learning, www.ielraptors.org. This presentation will explore the natural history of birds of prey and the impact that humans have on the environment today. Five species of raptors, including a bald and golden eagle will be part of this exciting program.

2:00 - 2:45 pm 
The Dirt on Worm Farming!
Join Brenda Lotito of Upstate WormFarms. With all the highly technical "Go Green" projects being focused upon, wouldn't it be refreshing to use an available way to reduce the waste stream and learn about living things? Composting with red worms demonstrates to children and adults the importance of even the smallest of creatures as well as the importance of taking care of our Earth. Local expertise on this topic is provided in this workshop. www.upstatewormfarms.com

Outdoor Demonstrations and Walks

10:00 - 4:00
Loomis Chainsaw Art

10:00 - 11:00
Beginning Bird Hike

11:30-12:30
Wildflower Hike: Forest Floor Fact and Fiction
Camille Burns, Montezuma Audubon Center's Teacher Naturalist Enjoy a guided stroll along the Warbler Walk to discover the legends and lore of spring wildflowers and other native plants. We'll meander through the woods looking for splashes of color and work our way to the hills that will bring us home through the grassland.

2:00 pm- 3:00 pm
Family Marsh Hike
Camille Burns, Montezuma Audubon Center's Teacher Naturalist Take a walk to the marsh to see a wetland up close and personal. Discover why they are important and learn about who would be lost without them.

10 am - 3:00 pm
Garlic Pull Contest
Participate as an individual, family or team in this Invasive Species Control Contest! Pull garlic mustard for one hour between 10 am and 3 pm during the Wildlife Festival and win a nature store gift certificate and perhaps even the coveted Golden Gardening Glove, bestowed upon the team with the largest mass total of garlic mustard pulled. To register or for more information contact marscook3@gmail.com or call 315-365-3588.

Entertainment Tent

Noon -1:00 pm
15 Miles on the Erie Canal
Bells & Motley present a Family Folk Operetta. This lively, colorful and very participatory historic musical storytelling journey is for children of all ages and great for the whole family. Enjoy Tall Tales and Canal Sing-along, Act-Along Songs presented in 19th century 'folk opera' performance style!

1:15 - 2:00 pm
Dan the Magician
Dan Lemp is an upcoming magician with a unique and relaxed performance style. He has performed for major fundraisers, wedding receptions, and other venues. He has performed both close up magic and stage magic. You can contact him at mrdanlemp@yahoo.com, on his cell phone at 1-315-882-0807.

Children's Activities
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Fashion a Bird
SUNY ESF

Nature Journaling
SUNY ESF

Up Close and Personnel with Aquatic Invertibrates
SUNY ESF

Make a Bluebird Nesting Box
($8/bluebird box)

Noon -1:00 PM 
Take your picture with a live Eagle
Clyde-Savannah High School Photography Club ($5)

Visit our Exhibitors, Vendors and Food Booths
10:00 am – 4:00 pm