Teatown Celebrates 20 Years of Conservation Success at Annual EagleFest

SATURDAY FEB. 3 AT CROTON POINT PARK
CELEBRATE RETURN OF BALD EAGLE TO THE HUDSON RIVER VALLEY

Rejoice in the return of the Bald Eagle to the Hudson River Valley at Teatown’s Hudson River EagleFest! Teatown’s Hudson River EagleFest, an annual festival celebrating the once-endangered Bald Eagle’s winter migration to the Hudson River Valley returns on February 3, 2024 at Croton Point Park (snow date: February 4).

Teatown’s highly anticipated event celebrates its 20th year with thrilling live bird shows spotlighting birds of prey; birding walks with local educators, environmentalists, and Audubon societies; educational programming, panel discussions, and a full pavilion of local collaborating organizations. Local food trucks will be on site for lunch, and there will be games and crafts for the kids, and more. With something for everyone, EagleFest is fun for the whole family.

Elected officials joined Teatown organizers and educators at Croton Point Park on January 24 to kick off EagleFest 2024. Teatown’s new Animal Ambassador, a Red-Tailed Hawk named Belle, was also present and delighted first-graders from Ossining’s Brookside Elementary School as they joined at the press conference before engaging in Return of the Eagle, one of Teatown’s long-standing educational programs.

Teatown’s Executive Director Kevin Carter kicked off the conference by emphasizing the growth of EagleFest through the years. What started as a small event held at the Teatown preserve has grown in popularity because it captivates people’s imaginations, and inspires them to be good stewards of the environment.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said that EagleFest is a source of great pride for the county.

“The presence of EagleFest at Croton Point Park is really something that the County takes great pride in hosting.” said Latimer. “When you’re at EagleFest, and you see how many people have come from all around the region, it really tells you just how important this is for more than just our local community.”

Westchester County’s Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins highlighted the staff from the “outstanding, award-winning, nationally-accredited county park system at Croton Point Park.”

Bald Eagles, once on the brink of extinction, have rebounded as a result of federal and state protections, and can now be seen nesting and hunting along the Hudson River. Westchester County Legislator Emiljana Ulaj announced that on Saturday, February 3, Westchester County will declare “EagleFest Day” and present a proclamation to serve as a reminder of the great things that we can do for our environment.

“Many could have felt hopeless when the Bald Eagle was on the brink of extirpation, but we are New Yorkers,” said Ulaj. “We work hard to change the situation for the better rather than accept the hands that we’re dealt. Working with federal, state, county, and local partners, advocates turned the situation around. Today we have a thriving Bald Eagle population that we can be so proud of. So that is a story of perseverance and partnership, and one that I am glad to continue in my role as County Legislator.”

New York Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg couldn’t attend the January 24 program due to the legislative session in Albany this week, but as a long-time fan of EagleFest and Teatown she urges people to attend this inspiring event.

“Teatown does so much to promote environmental stewardship in our area, ranging from programs engaging young people like the schoolchildren gathered for today’s event, to events for people of all ages, like their annual EagleFest,” Levenberg wrote in a message brought by her staff. “I have attended EagleFest many times over the years because it is such an inspiring, fun event. The majestic birds who are part of EagleFest are a poignant reminder of why we must continue to protect the Hudson River from disruptions like toxic dumping and barges. The return of eagles to this area is one of the great environmental success stories of our time, and I look forward to the opportunity to celebrate it once again at this year’s EagleFest. Join me!”

The program concluded with Teatown’s Director of Education, Emily Edmonds-Langham, who touched on the educational components of EagleFest and introduced first graders from Ossining’s Brookside Elementary School:

“It has been 20 years of being able to tell a conservation success story. That is not always something we get to do in the field of environmental education. It is so important that we’re able to have this great tale to tell about the return of the Bald Eagle from the brink, and we tell it in so many different ways.” said Edmonds-Langham, as the Brookside students arrived.

EagleFest 2024 will be held at Croton Point Park, 1 Croton Point Avenue in Croton-on-Hudson from 9 am to 4  pm. Pre-sale tickets are $35/adults (13+), $20/children (3-11), and free for children 3 and under. Teatown Member tickets are $30 for adults and $17 for children. Tickets sold at the venue on the day of the event are $40/adults (12+), $23/children (3-11), and free for children 3 and under. To purchase tickets, visit teatown.org/eaglefest

The 20th annual EagleFest is generously sponsored by ConEdison, Zeiss, WIN-Waste Innovations, Club Fit, Saw Mill River Audubon, the Town of Cortlandt, and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. The event is made possible with supporting partnership from the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation.

From Left to right (back row): Mrs. Eynon, Brookside School; Acacia Mauriello, Assembly Member Dana Levenberg’s office; Kyra Brunner, Assembly Member Matt Slater’s office; Liz Feldman, Ossining Town Supervisor; Brian Pugh, Mayor of Croton; George Latimer, Westchester County Executive; Len Simon, Village of Croton Trustee; Ian Murtagh, Village of Croton Trustee; Emiljana Ulaj, District 9 Legislator, Westchester County Board of Legislators; Nora Nicholson, Village of Croton Trustee; Kevin Carter, Teatown Executive Director; Maddy Schroeder, Teatown Environmental Educator; Belle, Teatown’s Red-Tail Hawk. Front row: Mrs. Eynon’s first-grade class.