The UT Arboretum Society joins the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of their resident raptors, including the charismatic bald eagle ambassadors in a virtual presentation on Thursday, May 13. On this digital tour, Robyn Miller Ph.D. will guide participants in learning about eagles and other raptors’ roles within our ecosystem, how AEF cares for them, and how we can help protect them. The nonprofit AEF is headquartered in East Tennessee in Pigeon Forge.
The AEF has a longstanding history in the conservation of bald eagles and other birds of prey. Over the course of more than 30 years, the organization has released 180 bald eagles back into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Robyn Miller
“The conservation efforts of citizens, lawmakers and organizations like us have culminated in the bald eagle’s triumphant comeback from the brink of extinction. Recent studies have found that the population has quadrupled since the last count,” Miller said.
While completing her doctorate in literature at Auburn University, Miller started volunteering at a local raptor facility in 2012. She decided to pursue raptor education as a full-time career upon graduating and joined American Eagle Foundation’s team in 2018. As an educator and falconer, she hopes to share her partnership with raptors as a force for good, inspiring a passion for avian conservation in the hearts of generations to come.
This is a virtual Zoom presentation and registration for this free online event is required. To register go here and click on the event. The program will be recorded. Please contact Michelle Campanis here with any questions or registration issues.
To learn more about the Arboretum Society or for questions on this program, go to here.
Melanie Staten is a public relations consultant with her husband, Vince.