- Lehigh Gap Nature Center's annual Migration Fest is set for Saturday
- The event is free and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- The fest has been an annual event for more than two decades
WASHINGTON TWP., Pa. — A Saturday event aims to engage and educate residents as thousands of birds of prey make their annual migration through the Lehigh Valley.
“I began working here in January, so I am excited to experience my first Migration Fest as a staff member,” said Riley Davenport, the center’s education and outreach coordinator. “The event is free and fun for the entire family.”
Lehigh Gap Nature Center's annual Migration Fest is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center, 8844 Paint Mill Road. The free event is open to the public, with nature walks, live animal presentations, monarch butterfly tagging, music, a food truck, a photo exhibition and displays created by center volunteers.
“During our 2 p.m. nature walk, we will be walking out on the refuge to celebrate our newest addition to the Nature Center — an amazing mural that was installed this summer by Promiseland Murals.”Riley Davenport, Lehigh Gap Nature Center's education and outreach coordinator
“During our 2 p.m. nature walk, we will be walking out on the refuge to celebrate our newest addition to the Nature Center — an amazing mural that was installed this summer by Promiseland Murals,” she said.
The schedule of events includes a 10 a.m. family bird walk and an 11 a.m. insect safari and monarch butterfly tagging. Then, at 1 p.m., there will be live bird presentations by the Wildlands Conservancy, followed by a 2 p.m. nature walk.
During the event, visitors can view exhibits on bird and butterfly migration, birds of prey, watersheds, and a nature photo exhibition. Dave Husic and Jeff Norman are slated to play live music.
Participants can also take part in hawk counting, monarch butterfly tagging, and other family activities. Crafters, a native plant swap and, a food truck are also on the schedule.
The center’s staff, as well as volunteers, since Aug. 15 have been counting and recording raptors for its annual Bake Oven Knob Autumn Hawk Watch.
The watch is a more than 60-year tradition, with researchers and citizen scientists working together on conversation research. The count runs through the end of November.
