The Catskill Chronicle

Photos by Kathleen Aitken

LACKAWAXEN, PA— Citizens of Sullivan County are encouraged to contribute towards the National Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Count for 2013-2014 this January 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Sullivan County and Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s Eagle Watch volunteer program are teaming up to offer education and an opportunity for families to monitor several spots along the Delaware River for bald eagle activity.

Trained volunteers will be in place at each location to offer some facts about local and wintering eagles and to answer questions. Participants are expected to have their own method of travel to each site. Data collected on this day will be entered through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to the national count.

Participants must pre-register to receive information about the sites and to receive forms for completion by calling CCE at 845-292-6180 or emailing nas96@cornell.edu.

All finalized counts must be turned in to the Conservancy’s Field Office at the end of the day to receive recognition and a prize for this Citizen Science project. Hot chocolate will be available at the office.

4-H Citizenship programs empower young people to be well-informed citizens who are actively engaged in their communities and the world. By providing them with opportunities to connect to their communities and adult leaders, youth gain a clear understanding of their role in civic affairs and are able to build their decision-making ability.

The national survey is now being coordinated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers out of their San Francisco office, in partnership and with assistance from the previous coordinators at the Biological Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey.