Wildlife Weekend 2008
Another for the Record Books

Once again Wildlife Weekend at Steele Creek Park was a tremendous success with outstanding programs and record crowds.  On Friday evening, Dr. Jeffrey Glassberg, president of the North American Butterfly Association and author of numerous field guides to butterflies, presented an entertaining and informative talk, complete with beautiful photographs. He provided a fascinating introduction to butterflies along with compelling reasons for taking up "butterflying". He also described the work of the NABA, including their new International Butterfly Park located in south Texas. Dr. Glassberg's talk was followed by a show and tell demonstration of birds of prey by the ever popular Marty Silvers, Warriors Path State Park naturalist.

On Saturday morning, Rick Knight led the traditional Wildlife Weekend bird walk, finishing up with Richard Lewis's bird banding demonstration.  This year Richard banded a wide variety of birds including palm warblers, a yellowthroat, a ruby-crowned kinglet, and an eastern towhee.  Then, for those wanting to learn more about butterflies, Dr. Glassberg led a very informative butterfly walk. 

On Saturday afternoon a large number of children showed up for the nature crafts activities, while ETSU's Dr. Blaine Schubert presented a fascinating talk on ice age cave palentology in east Tennessee.  The weekend concluded with walks focusing on wildflowers and mushrooms led by by Gabrielle Ziegler, and on caves and the geology of the area led by Jeremy Stout.

Throughout the weekend, visitors enjoyed visiting the art gallery where Joyce Kistner displayed many of her pieces and the photography exhibit where all of the entries from this year's photography contest were on display. To see a list of the winners and images of the winning photos, click here.

If you didn't attend Wildlife Weekend this year you missed a wonderful opportunity.  Be sure not to miss out on the fun-filled and informative event next year!  Check our website next summer for details.