The one-day environmental event offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy guided hikes, meet birds of prey and many mammals from the community, view nature displays and much more.

“This is an Earth Day event with action and participation,” said Farm Share Canada research and program coordinator Becky Glenney. “It’s free, family-oriented and an amazing way to meet, up close, the wildlife that lives around us.”

Mountsberg Conservation Area will introduce some of its raptors and lead seminars about the animals, while Featherstone Estate Winery will introduce its working Harris Hawk, Amadeus, who watches over the vineyard during the fall when the grapes are ripening.

The Muskoka Wildlife Centre will also be on hand with a new group of furry friends.

“Last year, they introduced Barf the turkey vulture and encouraged children to pet Flower the skunk,” said Ms. Glenney. “This year, they will be bringing five surprise mammals for everyone to meet.”

Other exhibitors will include wildlife photographer Ray Barlow, photographer Stuart McPherson, woodcarver Bruce Manion and artist Rick Manners, as well as Ducks Unlimited, Green Venture, Hamilton Amateur Astronomers, Hamilton Naturalists Club, Hawk Watch, Niagara Nature Tours, Niagara West Tourism Association and Peninsula Field Naturalists Club.

With the anticipation of Raptorfest also comes the event’s annual Art Contest, where children and students, kindergarten through Grade 8 and Grade 9 to 12, are invited to draw or paint a picture of any hawk, eagle, owl, falcon or vulture. For children and students who are more word savvy, this year, a Writing Contest has been added as well, where they can write a story involving their favourite birds of prey.”

The deadline for both contests is Friday, April 3, with all winners being announced at Raptorfest’s all-day event next month.

“The contests help children develop an awareness and focus on these large birds that rest here each year on their return migration,” said Ms. Glenney. “The focus is on the raptors, as there are two migration flyways that converge between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. As the birds come through this area, they like to rest for a while and enjoy the thermals that rise up the north side of the escarpment.”

Raptorfest was started in 1997.

“It had a hiatus for a few years in early 2000 then resumed in 2006,” said Ms. Glenney. “The event has grown to include more and more over the years.”

Ms. Glenney says holding an event like Raptorfest is important.

“It enables us to understand wildlife better and appreciate the animal and human positions in the natural scheme of living,” she said. “It is also a great time of year to be outside and relax in nature on the trail.”

Raptorfest will take place Saturday, April 25 from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. at Farm Share Canada (Niagara Fruit Education Centre), 938 Barton St. E.

For a full listing of events and times, as well as contest rules and regulations, visit www.raptorfestival.com .