Nature Shows at Bastille Day Lakefest Provide Wildlife Education
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Photo courtesy of Marechiel Santos-Lang
Licensed Falconer, rehabilitator and Eagle handler Dianne Moller, of Hoo's Wood Raptor, will be presenting at Bastille Day Lakefest on Saturday, July 14, from 4:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
The $2.3 Million lake construction project of Lake Belle View six years ago revitalized the natural habitat of the lake, the Sugar River and its surrounding areas. Walking through the berm, it's not unusual to see a Bald Eagle, Redtail Hawks, Cardinals, Orioles, ducks, a doe, Cranes, Bluejays and squirrels. Bastille Day Lakefest will offer three nature shows and Critters Table to provide wildlife education to help understand and appreciate the co-existence between wildlife and humans and the importance in preserving the world in which we live. The program will teach about raptors, the fishes and critters, the environment and other ecological concerns explaining how all things are connected and what can be done to help.
Lake Belle View is the home of Bald Eagles and Osprey, both fish-eating birds of prey. Dianne Moller of Hoo's Woods Raptor Center will be presenting Birds of Prey program where she will show live birds allowing the audience to see up-close their binocular eyes, hooked beaks with cutting edges, powerful legs and sharp talons. Moller is a native of southern Wisconsin and founded Hoo's Woods Raptor Center in 1998. She is a licensed educator, Falconer, rehabilitator and Eagle handler. In April 2015, Dianne was awarded Wildlife Conservationist of the Year by the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.
Naturalist and humorist David Stokes will provide an entertaining Lake Wildlife Hands-On Fun program at the festival, sponsored by the Belleville Public Library. Through the use of live animals and animal artifacts, songs, stories, movement, riddles, audio/visual and hands-on materials, audience will be actively engaged in learning. Stokes is the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education Teacher of the Year and an Aldo Leopold award winner. The Northshore United Educators has honored David for educational excellence.
About Bastille Day Lakefest
Bastille Day Lakefest is a unique festival that will celebrate Lake Belle View, the Community Park amenities, Main Street and the town's French Heritage on Saturday, July 14, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The festival will offer nature shows, promote health and wellness and encourage community connections. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Belleville Community Health Improvement Project and the Belleville Community Assistance Program.
Photo courtesy of Marechiel Santos-Lang
Naturalist, humorist and educator David Stokes will offer Lake Wildlife Hands-On Fun from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Free use of canoes and kayaks will be available for enjoyment of the community and visitors during the festival. There will be one-Mile Youth Run, 5K Run/Walk, Individual Kayak Race and Team Canoe Race and Nature Photo Contest Display. The festival will offer various programs throughout the day. In addition to the Critters Table and Raptor Show, there will be a French Fur Trade Re-enactment Camp, Belleville History & French Heritage Display, Carp Fishing Contest, Tai Chi, Zumba, River Boat Rides on the Sugar River, Live Acoustic Music, Lake Restoration & Development Slide Show and a French Heritage Parade. The full schedule and additional information are posted on the event's Facebook page @BastilleDayLakefest. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated.
Bastille Day Lakefest is organized in cooperation with the Belleville Economic Development Committee, Belleville Public Library, Belleville School District, Belleville High School, Village of Belleville, Belleville Wildlife Committee, Belleville Chamber of Commerce, Belleville Historical Society, Sugar River Outfitters and the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association.
