Eagle Watch provides chance to explore nature

This weekend provided nature lovers the opportunity to explore and learn about the wild first hand. Eagle Watch 2002, a service of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, took place at the Fourwinds Resort and Marina last weekend. The seminar played host to naturalists from Indiana and surrounding states to experience hiking, viewing and seminars focused on eagles, while exploring nature.\nJeff Riegal, an interpretive naturalist for the IDNR, spoke of a highly successful weekend.\n"The fun and educational components of our agenda are what keep people coming back," Riegal said.\nThe weekend contained 12 events which were attended by over 600 participants.\n"When you put on an event like this, the key to the event is planning," Riegal said. "I recommend people get reservations in early for next year, there is no doubt it will fill up again."\nRiegal said the highlight of the weekend took place when Bloomington South high school's choir performed the national anthem and "American the Beautiful," while the United States colors were presented.\n"Those kids were super, and they have a great choir," Riegal said. "They really topped off the weekend."\nThe Fourwinds Resort has been the event's venue for two years.\n"This is a great opportunity for people to view rare birds in their natural habitat," Fourwinds manager, Jeff Hammond said.\nThe venue has added a few improvements since the 2001 Eagle watch. A children's day, outdoor photograph opportunities and vending are among these improvements.\nThe changes promise to promote a continuous rise in attendance. The Fourwinds management recommends planning ahead due to the increasing popularity of the Eagle Watch event.\n"Our facility experienced a high occupancy rate over the weekend," Hammond said. "We were completely sold out."\nGary and Annette Grooms, residents of South Bend, will make sure to attend next year's Eagle Watch because of all the fun and learning they took away from the event.\n"We're here to learn," Gary Grooms said. "It doesn't matter if you're a novice, like we are, or advanced, we all learn something."\nRex Watters, reservoir wildlife specialist for the IDNR, contributed his time and energy to Eagle Watch 2002. He spoke of his love for the experience the convention provides.\n"I love taking people out and seeing their faces light up when they see their first eagle soaring over Lake Monroe," Watters said.\nWatters assisted with reintroducing bald eagles to Indiana. His program re-populated Monroe County with eagles from Wisconsin and Alaska.\n"I really enjoyed giving to the bald eagle reintroduction program," Watters said. "It allows visitors the opportunity to see and learn about the birds, tremendously benefitting the public."\nThe keynote speakers and guides included some of the most experienced and knowledgeable people in the nature industry. Ross Brittain, owner of Wildbirds Unlimited, 1101 N. College Avenue, enjoyed his second term as an Eagle Watch speaker.\n"It's a wonderful program for people who never get the opportunity to learn about the nature and wildlife of southern Indiana," Brittain said.\nBrittain prides himself and his business on providing free information promoting a healthy Monroe County ecosystem.\n"This convention is wonderful, and I can't say enough good things about what Jeff Riegal and Rex Watters do to give the public the ability to access environmental knowledge," Brittain said.