Join us as Lisa Thomison, co-founder of Owl Ridge Raptor Center, introduces the audience to some of their feathered “ambassadors” on Saturday, November 9, 10 a.m. – noon at the UT Arboretum Auditorium, 901 S. Illinois Ave, Oak Ridge.

Sponsored by the UT Arboretum Society, tickets to this event are limited to 100. Please register soon at  www.utarboretumsociety.org under “programs.” Contact Michelle Campanis at mcampani@utk.edu for any questions or registration issues.

This is a free program, but a donation box will be available. All donations will be given to Owl Ridge Raptor Center to support their work.

With her feathered “ambassadors” accompanying her, Thomison will explain the center’s mission. Owl Ridge Raptor Center is a nonprofit organization that takes care of injured and orphaned birds of prey. These include owls, hawks, falcons, vultures and eagles.

“The goal with each bird is full recovery and re-release back into their habitat, if possible,” she explained. “The birds we will have with us at the UT Arboretum are our ‘ambassadors.’ They are unsuitable for release, so they help us to raise awareness and promote conservation of these important species. Any purchase or donation you make goes directly to the housing, care and feeding of these wonderful animals.”

While Thomison was working in the laboratory field, she discovered and volunteered for the Clinch River Raptor Center in Claxton where she learned about birds of prey. When the leaders of the organization retired, she applied for her state permit. Owl Ridge Raptor Center now holds both state and federal permits for education and rehab. When working with birds of prey, it is required that the organization holds a federal permit as these birds are protected at the federal and state levels.

The Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2024. It is one of the ten University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture AgResearch and Education Centers located throughout Tennessee. The Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the UT Herbert College of Agriculture, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension offices, with locations in every county in the state.

To learn more about the Arboretum Society, go to www.utarboretumsociety.org.

Melanie Staten is a public relations consultant with her husband, Vince.