11-14-2004, 05:45 PM
[size 2]PIERRE, S.D. - In the winter, overnight visitors to Chief White Crane Recreation Area near Yankton do not stay in motor homes or tents - they stay in trees. Learn all about the park's winter residents during the "On Eagle Wings" Walk in the Park on Nov. 20.[/size]
[size 2]The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the welcome center at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, located four-miles west of Yankton off S.D. Hwy 52. A 45-minute presentation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will highlight eagle habitat and characteristics. From there, the group will travel to nearby Chief White Crane Recreation Area to view the birds in their natural habitat. [/size]
[size 2]Several spotting scopes will be available for use, and participants are encouraged to bring binoculars to aid in viewing. Comfortable hiking shoes and cold-weather clothing are also recommended.[/size]
[size 2]Chief White Crane Recreation Area is currently closed to vehicle traffic due to eagles roosting in the park. Walkers and cross-country skiers are allowed in these areas, though they must use caution to not disturb the roosting bald eagles. If disturbed, the eagles may fly and lose critical body heat. [/size]
[size 2]There is no cost to participate in the program, although a park entrance license is required. For more information, call the park office at (605) 668-2985. Chief White Crane Recreation Area is located five-miles southwest of Yankton off S.D. Hwy 52.[/size]
[size 2]The Walk in the Park program is a series of educational, guided hikes held throughout the year in South Dakota state parks, recreation areas and nature preserves. Parks staff and volunteers lead the programs, which are co-sponsored by the S.D. Department of Health. For more information on bald eagles in state parks or the Walk in the Park program, visit www.sdgfp.info/Parks or call (605) 773-3391.[/size]
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[size 2]The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the welcome center at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, located four-miles west of Yankton off S.D. Hwy 52. A 45-minute presentation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will highlight eagle habitat and characteristics. From there, the group will travel to nearby Chief White Crane Recreation Area to view the birds in their natural habitat. [/size]
[size 2]Several spotting scopes will be available for use, and participants are encouraged to bring binoculars to aid in viewing. Comfortable hiking shoes and cold-weather clothing are also recommended.[/size]
[size 2]Chief White Crane Recreation Area is currently closed to vehicle traffic due to eagles roosting in the park. Walkers and cross-country skiers are allowed in these areas, though they must use caution to not disturb the roosting bald eagles. If disturbed, the eagles may fly and lose critical body heat. [/size]
[size 2]There is no cost to participate in the program, although a park entrance license is required. For more information, call the park office at (605) 668-2985. Chief White Crane Recreation Area is located five-miles southwest of Yankton off S.D. Hwy 52.[/size]
[size 2]The Walk in the Park program is a series of educational, guided hikes held throughout the year in South Dakota state parks, recreation areas and nature preserves. Parks staff and volunteers lead the programs, which are co-sponsored by the S.D. Department of Health. For more information on bald eagles in state parks or the Walk in the Park program, visit www.sdgfp.info/Parks or call (605) 773-3391.[/size]
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