12th Annual St. Joseph River Watershed Council Celebration

Join the Friends of the St. Joe River for dinner and social time and networking at the 12th Annual St. Joseph River Watershed Council Celebration at the Sturges-Young Auditorium in Sturgis, Michigan. Matt Meersman, our past President, has graciously agreed to return to the front of the room and stand behind the podium to kindly serve as emcee for the meeting. This year's presentation will be:

Feathered Friends of the River

An Evening with Raptors of the St. Joseph River Watershed

Get up close and personal with the raptors you may have seen soaring high above the lakes and streams in your area. Hear about local birds of prey and conservation trends relating to raptors, falconry and much more.

This presentation will be made courtesy of Lake Milton Raptor Education Center. Lake Milton Raptor Education Center was started by Aimee Pico and her husband, Matthew Pico, in 2001 in Ohio. In 2010, the Center was moved to its current location in the heart of the watershed, Jones, Michigan. Aimee and Matthew have been joined by Darlene Brockman and Jessica Brockman, along with other volunteers, in their rehabilitation and education efforts about raptors in the watershed. The mission of the Center is "to give wild birds in need a second chance at a healthy, free life and to educate the public about the birds of prey that live around them in hope that people will realize these birds exist and to do what they can to live alongside them in harmony."

Evening Agenda

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Registration/Social Time (Cash Bar Available)
                             Auction Bidding Begins
6:00 - 6:15 p.m. - Welcome/Opening Remarks
6:15 - 6:30 p.m. - Award Presentation
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Dinner (Auction Bidding Continues)
7:45 - 8:45 p.m. - Presentation by Lake Milton Raptor Education Center
8:45 - 9:00 p.m. - Questions & Final Comments
                             Auction Check-Out

A Silent Auction will take place from 5:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. Past items have included hand painted rain barrels, guided canoe/kayak trips, fresh local maple syrup and much more!

Contact fotsjr.outreach@gmail.com for more information