Rebecca Lessard of Wings of Wonder (photo courtesy of Wings of Wonder)
This summer, resort guests and club members of The Homestead have the opportunity to experience Michigan raptors live and up close in a program called “The Wonder of Raptors.” Rebecca Lessard of Wings of Wonder will provide three, one-hour programs at the Camp Tam-A-Rack amphitheatre in the Village at The Homestead. The program is complementary for all resort guests and club members.
Lessard will bring several live raptors with her along with fascinating artifacts including wings, talons, feathers, pellets and photos. This educational presentation outlines the wonders of raptors, their habitat needs, environmental issues, endangered and threatened status, and wildlife ethics and wildlife stories. Participants will learn how to live in harmony with the beautiful wild animals. The program is designed to be interactive and with plenty of time for open questions and answers.
"Jaeda," an American Kestrel (photo courtesy of Wings of Wonder)
Participants won’t walk away with just head knowledge; they will also have the opportunity to make a difference for Michigan raptors by helping build nesting boxes that will be mounted on posts along The Homestead’s hiking trail. Future guests will have the opportunity to see the nesting boxes and hopefully, the birds that will nest there.
Wonder of Raptor programs will be held on:
• Wednesday, July 20 from 7pm to 8pm
• Thursday, August 4 from 7pm to 8pm
• Thursday, August 11 from 7pm to 8pm
"Ned," a Saw Whet Owl (photo courtesy of Wings of Wonder)
Wings of Wonder is a raptor sanctuary located in Empire, Michigan. Since 1990, the primary mission of the organization is to educate the public by offering approximately 150 educational programs each year that reach almost 10,000 people annually. Wings of Wonder also provides raptor treatment and rehabilitation for sick, injured and orphaned raptors. The primary goal is to release the raptor back into its natural habitat as a strong, healthy and viable bird.
Rebecca Lessard is the founder and current director of Wings of Wonder. She has been a wildlife rehabilitator and educator for over 20 years. She holds rehabilitation permits from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the United States Fish & Wildlife Service. Lessard has received several awards including “Person of the Year” from Boy Scout Pack 87 in Traverse City, “Environmentalist of the Year” in Education and the President’s Award from the Michigan Audubon Society.
Releasing a Red Tailed Hawk (photo courtesy of Wings of Wonder)
Wings of Wonder is a non-profit organization that is funded through program fees and donations. Anyone is welcome to donate to the organization to help support its mission to educate the public and to rehabilitate raptors for release back into the wild. Donors have their choice of donating in honor of someone special, as a gift, or by becoming a member of Wings of Wonder. For more information on Wings of Wonder, visit their website at www.wingsofwonder.org.
Also, visit The Homestead Special Events page and Calendar of Events for events that are open to the public as well as for events reserved for resort guests and members. Enjoy special summer entertainment including live music at Beppi’s and Cafe Mantiou, outdoor concerts on Bay Mountain, food and drink specials, fitness classes, new cooking classes at Nonna’s Loft, and our popular Sip & Sunset at Spa Amira.
