January 25, 2016
Contact: Nancy Lee Gomer, Marketing Coordinator, 636-949-7535 or cell 636-795-1137
St. Charles County, Missouri – Join the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department and Renewal by Andersen to celebrate the return of the American Bald Eagles to Hideaway Harbor Park, 1550 Hideaway Harbor Dr., Portage Des Sioux, MO 63373, from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 27, at our Bald Eagle Winter Watch program. Get out and enjoy a morning of winter eagle-viewing and activities in the park! Fire rings will be set up in an area of the park and hot cocoa will be served to help combat the winter chill.
During the Bald Eagle Winter Watch program, guests will look for migrating eagles in the park through telescopes provided by the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri (ASEM), and have the opportunity to see an American Bald Eagle up close and personal! Louis, the famous eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary, will be on display from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Two handlers for the majestic bird, Fred Abrolat and Jena Baumgarten, will also be available to answer questions and help educate the public about eagles, while showing off the symbol of our great nation.
“Over the years, we’ve seen spectacular views of eagles soaring across the park sky, perched in large pecan trees in the park, and feeding off the Mississippi River during our free eagle program,” said St. Charles County Parks Director Bettie Yahn-Kramer.
Come out to the park early to help park staff build a life-sized eagle nest. The huge roost will be built in front of a natural scenic backdrop – the mighty Mississippi River! When complete, it will serve as the perfect photo booth for guests to step inside to take group pictures!
While visiting the park, don’t forget to participate in our fun scavenger hunt activity. Find all the items on the short nature list and receive a park tote bag to take home! Park guests will learn about the history of the park, wildlife in the park, and more when they participate in this family-friendly game.
Hideaway Harbor Park is a beautiful place to visit and is home to many birds and wildlife in the area. The 48-acre riverside park is a popular destination for fishermen and recreational boaters, and features spectacular views of the Mississippi River and the scenic Alton bluffs.
To get to Hideaway Harbor Park from Highway 370 in St. Charles: take Highway 94 North to Grafton Ferry Road (approximately eight miles). Turn left on Grafton Ferry Road and turn right on Portage Road until you reach Sioux Drive. Turn left on Sioux Drive into the park.
If inclement weather exists on day of event, call the park information hotline at 636-707-0011 or visit www.stccparks.org for the program status.
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