WASHINGTON, D.C.—Attendees at the Chief’s stand-up meeting in September had an unusual visitor —Skye, the red-tailed hawk. Staff members from Earth Conservation Corps, a local non-profit organization, presented the raptor to the leadership group. Due to a serious injury which prevents her from flying, Skye is non-releasable, although, as an educational ambassador, she is quite impactful.  

The 27-year-old raptor was completely at ease as her handler, John Wood from Earth Conservation Corps, walked her around the room for everyone to get a close-up look. The enthusiasm was infectious as people took photos and interacted with John and the hawk.

The migratory raptor presentation is part of a broader collaborative effort that International Programs’ Urban Outreach and Partnerships team has with Earth Conservation Corps. The idea is to inspire and inform people about the importance of conserving the habitats of migratory species. This year so far, the Urban Outreach and Partnerships team brought the Earth Conservation Corps and their charismatic birds to more than 260 people in underserved D.C. neighborhoods.

In addition to these local offerings, the Urban Outreach and Partnerships team works to advance conservation of many migratory species along the flyways from Alaska to Argentina. Species include the monarch butterfly, Kirtland’s warbler and many other beloved backyard birds and insects. 

The programs not only foster conservation, they also improve peoples’ lives through forging meaningful—and unforgettable—connections to nature.