May 2, 2006
For Immediate Release

Birdathon 2006 is almost here!

Grafton, Massachusetts
Saturday, April 8, 2006

Learn more about your local birds.
Come See A Live Peregrine Falcon!

Join in Mass Audubon's BIRD-A-THON 2006

Friday, May 12 through Saturday, May 13, 2006

"Today, average eight year olds are better able to identify cartoon characters than native species such as beetles and oak trees in their own community."
From the book, Last Child in the Woods Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv

Bird-A-Thon is one of Broad Meadow Brook’s annual events designed to raise funds for our important education programs and conservation projects.

Please Help Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook provide opportunities for people of all ages to connect with nature.

FRIDAY EVENING SCHEDULE

6:00-9:00 p.m. BIRD WALK
Meet at Broad Meadow Brook where we will start birding the Sanctuary and anyone interested can carpool to other locations.

SATURDAY SCHEDULE

7:00-9:00 a.m. BIRD WALK
Join one of three teams at the following locations:
     Broad Meadow Brook      Newton Hill      Swedish Cemetery

9:00 a.m. BIRDS ‘N BREAKFAST
A single pledge of $15 for individual and $25 for a family of 4 covers the cost of a delicious breakfast and a pledge to Bird-a-thon.

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. LIVE BIRDS OF PREY
Including Peregrine Falcons on Display! with Larry Keating and his Rulers of the Wind! Get an up close look at birds of prey and learn fascinating facts.

2:00-4:00 p.m. BIRD WALK
Meet at Broad Meadow Brook and join us in the van or carpool as we look for the Peregrine Falcons in Worcester then Eagles and Loons at Wachusett Reservoir

Registration required for bird walks. Donations encouraged.
Call 508-753-6087 to register.

You do not need to be an experienced birder to participate in any of the walks.

Two knowledgeable birders will lead each walk.

This is a great opportunity for everyone to get involved, learn and have lots of fun.

Mass Audubon
Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
414 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA 01604 — 508-753-6087, fax 508-755-0148
bmbrook@massaudubon.org, www.massaudubon.org

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About the Chamber

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce serves the Blackstone River Valley's eleven member towns in Massachusetts: Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, and Uxbridge. The mission of the chamber is to promote the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley, meet the needs of the Chamber's business members, while providing leadership on issues which impact the economy and quality of life in the Valley.