Oconaluftee Visitor Center Special Fall Programs

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials invite the public to attend two special programs held at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center complex on Saturday, October 15, and Monday, October 17.

On October 15, an hour-long Birds of Prey program will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. by naturalist Doris Mager at the Oconaluftee Multipurpose Room. Mager, also known as the "Eagle Lady", has been working with raptors for over 35 years. She will bring four birds with her, including an American Kestrel, a Screech Owl, and a Great Horned Owl, allowing the public to "get up close and personal" with these fascinating creatures.

At age 86, Mager still travels the whole Eastern United States giving educational programs such as this one. She has cared for over 80 injured eagles and hundreds of other raptors, and has housed up to 36 birds of prey in her backyard at one time.

On Monday, October 17, between 5:00-6:30 p.m., park staff and volunteers will provide a variety of cultural demonstrations and storytelling during "An Evening on the Farm" in the midst of the Mountain Farm Museum's century-old buildings for a look at life in the past.

The Davis/Queen farmhouse will also be open for visitors to walk through. "The evening hours offer visitors the opportunity to sit and visit for awhile and see the Farm Museum when it's less crowded," said Park Ranger Lynda Doucette. Hot cider will be served and all activities are free.

The Mountain Farm Museum is located on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 2 miles north of Cherokee, N.C. For more information, call the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at (828) 497-1904.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com