From a Ryan Brady Photo

Flock to Manitowish Waters

4th Annual Birding Festival May 16 and 17 at the North Lakeland Discovery Center

February 21, 2008

Contact:  Maggie Ortlieb

715-543-2085, maggie@discoverycenter.net

Manitowish Waters, WI – Great Lakes area birding experts are pooling their talents and expertise on Saturday, May 17, 6 a.m. – 5 p.m., to highlight the North Lakeland Discovery Center’s 4th annual Birding Festival in partnership with the Manitowish Waters Chamber of Commerce.  A Friday evening welcome reception will, once again, be a wonderful festival kick-off, May 16 at 5:30 p.m.  All event sponsors, participants, and presenters are invited to this reception at the Discovery Center’s main lodge.  This gathering will feature complimentary appetizers and beverages, and a program by special guest speakers, John Bates, local naturalist and author, and Mary Burns, area Northwoods artist and author. 

This year’s keynote speaker will be Joan Garland, Education Outreach Coordinator, of the International Crane Foundation.  Her program will focus on the Whooping Crane Reintroduction Project and her role in monitoring the journey of these elegant birds.  Ms. Garland will also be sharing her ‘Cranes of the World’ program during the Saturday afternoon workshops. 

Organizations including Binoculars.com, the North Lakeland Discovery Center and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provide field trip leaders, bird banding demos, live raptor presentations, and several bird workshops!  A celebration of birds and nature will be central to the day’s events, and will be coupled with a fabulous breakfast bar, a boxed lunch of participant’s choice, and a hearty selection of fruits, snacks and homemade desserts.

The Discovery Center Bird Club invites you to mark your calendars for May 16 and 17.   State and local sponsors provide invaluable support and offer coupons, promotional items, and wonderful deals – all packaged in a handy canvas tote bag, free to early registrants.  Early registration fees, prior to May 9^th are $40 for non-Discovery Center members; $35 for Discovery Center members; and $20 for University students and youth under 18. 

Join in the festival fun and experience the Northwoods’ beautiful natural settings, friendly hospitality, and excellent birding.  A detailed itinerary and registration will be available soon.  Visit the Discovery Center’s website at http://www.discoverycenter.net/events.htm or call 715-543-2085.  The Center is located on CTH W just 1.2 miles from USH 51.