Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/947157
3 100,000 in every corner of the state. "What we strive to do in our education programs is to build a connection with the public," Adair said. The AWC makes that connection in a unique way, merging rehabilitation with education, by using up-close encounters with education ambassadors – raptors that were not able to be released back into the wild and live permanently at the center. For Scottie Jackson, director of education and outreach, "The most fantastic thing about education is getting to see that moment when people engage with a live raptor for the first time, or the beautiful release of a bird back into the wild, and they get to be a part of that moment. I think that it inspires such important stewardship. That moment of excitement carries over to later years." In addition to the programs at the center, including the popular children's summer day camp for grades 1-6, the education staff travels with "ambassador" hawks, falcons, owls, kites and bald eagles to schools and conservation events throughout the state. One of Jackson's greatest moments is seeing children take home what they learn during the programs. "Parents will tell us, 'My son or daughter came home after seeing your program, and for a week they told us about not littering on the side of the road (which attracts raptors into the paths of cars), or we went on the back porch and called a barred owl together, and it answered.' They take ownership, which is so exciting." "If we leave a lasting impression on one of these kids and they can go off and say, 'This matters, and I care, and I want to make a difference,' that's worth it to us, whether it's one kid or 100 kids," Muncher said. The larger goal of stewardship and developing wildlife advocates is the driving force behind the expanded conservation education program and recent renovations at the center. To help expand its reach, AWC partnered with AT&T to install a digital line at the wildlife center. The new connection allowed the installation of video monitors to show visitors a live stream of rehabilitation enclosures that are off limits. There are plans to develop distance learning events, as well as livestreaming on the AWC website. A Eurasian eagle-owl is among the patients at AWC. Elevated boardwalk houses native birds too severely injured to return to the wild. From left, Avian program coordinator Rachel Adams, Jackson, Muncher, Esposito, clinic manager Katie Stubblefield and Adair.