Graham Cave State Park Hosts Raptor Program July 5

In celebration of Independence Day, Graham Cave State Park will host "Raptor Day at the Park" in partnership with World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis.

The raptor programs will kick off at 10 a.m. with live birds of prey and an hour long raptor basics program highlighting the importance of these incredible birds in our environment. Raptors will be on stage from noon to 2 p.m., during which time caretakers will answer questions about a raptor's role in nature and how the World Bird Sanctuary contributes to the conservation of bird species in Missouri.

No pets, including leashed dogs will not be allowed into this event. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the programs, which will be presented on the grass in front of Graham Cave.

In conjunction with the World Bird Sanctuary programs, there will be a bald eagle information booth with children's activities and opportunities to try on life size bald eagle wings and build a life size replica of a bald eagles nest.

The cave is accessible from the lower picnic area via the paved Graham Cave Trail. Special accommodations may be provided on request. Participants are encouraged to bring a bottle of water and insect repellent.

Graham Cave State Park is located off Interstate 70, between Kingdom City and St. Louis, on Highway TT, two miles west of Highway 161 at the 170 Exit, in Danville. For more information about the event, call Graham Cave State Park at (573) 564-3476.

For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit the web at mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.