Millbrook Library hosts ‘Reading with Raptors’ Event drawing Big Crowd

By Amanda Pevey

Elmore/Autauga News

 Millbrook Public Library hosted a “Reading with Raptors” event Tuesday. There were over 60 people in attendance and one of the biggest events held at the library recently.

Valerie Castanza, owner of Raptor Ridge Wildlife Education, puts on the program “Reading with Raptors.” She read a book called “Buzz, Ruby, and their City Chicks” to the children.  The book was about a true red-tailed hawk story. At the end of the story, the children asked her many questions about raptors. Castanza said she enjoyed answering all of the children’s questions and stayed  engaged with the audience. She then gave a live demonstration of a few educational ambassadors to show the children.

Educational Ambassador birds that were on display at the library included Grizzly, a red-tailed hawk, D’Artagnan, a screech owl, and Acuity, barred owl.

The Raptor Ridge Wildlife Education is an interactive outreach program focusing on the vital role of raptors. It is a 501c3 non-profit program and is staffed by volunteers only. This program is relatively new and existed for about a year in a half. The main goal of this program is to instill a love of reading with the kids while also helping them develop and appreciate our native raptors by giving them an opportunity to engage with the birds.

“All of the education ambassadors have some sort of physical impairment that would prevent them from being successful in their native habitat,” said Castanza.

She continued, “As ambassadors for their species they allow the public to feel a connection with our native wildlife. I really love doing ‘Reading with Raptors’ with area libraries.

“We had a lovely turnout for the Raptor program,” said Angie Dewberry, assistant director and children’s Librarian. She continued, “The children were both educated and enthralled by the information shared about local avian wildlife. We are so appreciative to Ms. Valerie for sharing her knowledge and experience. This program is just awesome.”

For more information about the Raptor Ridge Wildlife Education, please be sure to check out their Facebook page at: www.Facebook.com/RaptorRidgeWildlifeEducation.

The Raptor Ridge Wildlife Education program can use your help to grow this amazing program. Your contribution can help pay for food for the birds, enrichment items, equipment, vet care, or vaccines. You can donate by cash, check, PayPal (Raptor.Ridge.WE@gmail.com) or Venmo (@vcastanza317). You can reach Valerie Castanza by phone at 334-201-4957 for more information or to donate. See more photos from the event below.