Did you know?
70% of all raptors die in their first year of life, many from inexperience, collisions, shootings, electrocutions, and pesticide exposure, only 50% of the remaining make it the second year.

Educational Programs

The Raleigh Raptor Refuge provides a wide variety of educational programs for all types of curriculums and all ages. Our programs can be custom tailored to your curriculum needs.

We have written educational partnerships with many local organizations, including Boy Scouts of America, Coastal Pines Girl scouts, Wake County Public Libraries, YMCA after School Programs, Y-Guides, and more.

We  have done hundreds of programs for the Wake County Public School System, and are on their list of educators. We are regularly asked to teach at local private schools like Raleigh Progressive School, and Montessori Schools.

We are often requested to do programs at Falls Lake State ParkUmstead State ParkJordan Lake State ParkOakview County ParkBlue Jay Point County ParkLake Wheeler City ParkBond Park in Cary, and more.

We do quarterly presentations for North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, and also do yearly presentations to  State Park Rangers, teaching them about Raptors. We have also done presentations at the North Carolina State Fair in cooperation with NC Widlife and with the 4H Camps. We have done auditorium presentations and the NC Museum of Natural History and the NC Museum of Art.

Stories, Folk lore and Tall Tales

Steve does several different shows based on his experience as a wildlife rescuer, educator, and storyteller. Below is a listing of several separate presentations, each done within a single “Class Hour”

Storytelling

Rescue Tales

Steve tells a tale of adventure with a background of birds. Whether it is a tale of a lost Indian boy, or the adventures of Beanca the eagle, lost in a strange land, the birds become part of the story, some even act out their roles.

Hear Steve tell stories of some of his wildest rescues and wildlife adventures.

Tall Tales and Short Tails

Owls on the Prowl

Hear old fashioned folk tales and tall tales about birds of prey, and see the truth and falsehoods of the stories

Afraid of things that go bump in the night? In this owls-only presentation kids hear the night sounds and see who makes them as they are told stories and shown the truths behind the legends of the night.

Requirements and Rules of Education Shows

  1. There must be a minimum of 10ft x 10ft empty area for the birds as a safety area. We sometimes rope off or tape off the area, but we do require it to be clear of all obstacles.

  2. When we do an off site show, no matter how many shows we do for an organization in a day, we will only set up one time and place. That means that if there are different groups, they must relocate, we do not set up the birds, and then move them for each show.

  3. If it is a fair type event (an event with multiple presenters), we will not allow portable sound amplification systems near our exhibit. Portable systems almost always have trouble, cause feedback, and upset the birds.

  4. When our animals are on site there can be no pets or animals loose on the premises. Leashed pets and controlled animals are allowed. Our animals are always controlled, so we require the same of others.

  5. If we set up a show, the agreed upon date is taken off of our available schedule. Since we often have to turn down shows due to other previously committed events, once a show is confirmed, the fee must be paid, even if the event does not occur. The signer is responsible for the fee even if the company does not agree to pay. any other specific items will be addressed in the setup discussions.

Standard Presentation Costs

Cost (each) Cost for NPO Audience Size Travel Time Add. shows
$240.00 $120.00* up to 60 local $100
$400.00 $200.00* 61-100 local $150
$480.00 $240.00* 101 or more local $200
 
Add $25.00 per county outside Wake county for travel fees
*only Schools, Park Systems, Libraries, and other service non profits qualify for this special rate