An eagle along the Skagit in December 2014. Photo by: Jason Ransom, National Park Service
This weekend marks the last weekend of the Skagit River Eagle Festival. Be sure to come up and visit us! Below is a list of all the fun happenings. See you out there!
Saturday Only Events
EAGLE FESTIVAL WEEKEND AT CHALLENGER RIDGE Saturday, January 24, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Challenger Ridge Vineyard & Cellars43095 Challenger Road, Concrete
Raptor Presentation by Sarvey Wildlife Care Center at 2:00 p.m. Challenger Ridge is a family and dog friendly venue with a cozy tasting room,
picnic area, and wonderful walking trails. Snacks & soft drinks, and $5 wine tasting.
Free admission and free camping Saturday only. PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP:
HOW TO COMPOSE STUNNING IMAGESSaturday, January 24, 10 a.m. – Noon
Concrete Theatre,
45920 Main Street, Concrete
Photographer Andy Porter (www.northwesternimages.com) will discuss subject placement, the Rule of Thirds, use of leading lines, framing, reflections and much more. Free. LITTLE EAGLET STORY TIME
Saturday, January 24, 11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Upper Skagit Library
45770B Main Street, Concrete
Families with young children are invited to learn about eagles and other wildlife through stories, songs and a simple craft. Free. PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP: FOCUSING ON BIRDS
Saturday, January 24, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Concrete Theatre
45920 Main Street, Concrete
Learn to locate and photograph the migratory birds of the Skagit Valley with instructor Karen Ulvestad www.karenulvestad.com. WINTER JAZZ @ 5b’s Bakery
Saturday, January 24, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. 45597 Main Street, Concrete Come in out of the cold and enjoy a festive jazz ensemble put on by our local talent. Hint: it will sound even better with one of 5b’s amazing cinnamon rolls! WILDLIFE HAYRIDE & CAMPFIRE
Ovenell’s Heritage Inn & Double O Ranch
Saturday, January 24, 3 p.m. 46276 Concrete Sauk Valley Road, Concrete An educational hayride through 250 acres of timber, pasture, and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) project. See eagles, deer, elk, and more. Learn about our conservation projects, selective timber harvesting, and see how wildlife habitat is enhanced by our ranching practices. Enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies by the fire. Children’s wildlife footprints matching game and ranch history display. Activity is weather dependent.
Saturday & Sunday Events
SKAGIT RIVER BALD EAGLE INTERPRETIVE CENTER10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Howard Miller Steelhead Park 52809 Rockport Park Road, Rockport Learn about eagles, watershed issues, and local, natural and cultural history through guided hikes, presentations, and the Nature Store. Saturday: Naturalist Hike at 11:00 a.m. led by Erica Keene, Forestry Technician, Mt. Baker Ranger District. “Glaciers of the North Cascades” presentation at 1:00 p.m. by Jon Riedel, Geologist, North Cascades National Park. Sunday: Naturalist Hike at 11:00 a.m. led by Erica Keene, Forestry Technician, Mt. Baker Ranger District. “Explorations of the Skagit Watershed” presentation at 1:00 p.m. by Pat Buller, Photographer, Blogger, Artist. EAGLE WATCHER STATIONS 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Eagle Watcher volunteers can answer your questions about bald eagles, salmon, and the Skagit watershed. They’ll have binoculars and spotting scopes available for your use. Viewing stations are at Howard Miller Steelhead Park in Rockport, Sutter Creek at Milepost 100, and Marblemount Fish Hatchery. DEEP FOREST TOURS & DISCOVERY CENTER
Deep Forest Walks begin at 10:00, 11;00, 12:00 & 1:00 Center open 10:00-2:00 Rockport State Park 51095 State Route 20, Rockport This forest tour will take you deep into the 670 acres of old-growth forest of Rockport State Park at the foot of Sauk Mountain. Tours are 30-60 minutes. Let kids explore in the Discovery Center with crafts and interactive wildlife displays, books, and games while you warm up by the fire and enjoy popcorn and a beverage. Discover Pass or $10 Day Use fee is required to access the park. Tour & Discovery Center is free. MARBLEMOUNT HATCHERY
TOURS11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Marblemount Fish Hatchery 8319 Fish Hatchery Road, Marblemount Learn how eagles relate to the life cycle of the Pacific Salmon. Visitors gain knowledge of all phases of the salmon life cycle without disturbing salmon in the wild. In addition to fish, visitors can view eagles, hawks, blue herons, ducks, and dippers.
