Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials invite the public to attend several special fall programs at the Mountain Farm Museum, adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, N.C., and the Sugarlands Visitor Center, near Gatlinburg, Tenn., in October.
A Birds of Prey program will be conducted twice by naturalist Doris Mager. The first program will be at the Mountain Farm Museum on Wednesday, October 13, from 11:00 a.m.-noon. She will do another one at the Sugarlands Visitor Center on Saturday, October 16, from 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Mager, also known as the “Eagle Lady”, has been working with raptors for over 35 years. During the two programs, she will have four birds with her, including an American Kestrel, a Screech Owl, and a Great Horned Owl. The public will have an opportunity to “get up close and personal” with these fascinating creatures. At age 84, Mager still travels the Eastern United States giving educational programs. She has cared for over 80 injured eagles and hundreds of other raptors, and has housed up to 36 birds of prey in her backyard at one time.
“An Evening on the Farm” is scheduled at the Mountain Farm Museum on Thursday, October 14, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. During the event, Park staff and volunteers will provide a variety of demonstrations, including hearth cooking and broom making. The Davis/Queen farmhouse will also be open for visitors to walk through the century-old building for a look at life in the past. During the event, hot cider also will be served. For more information contact the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at 828/497-1904.
