Legacy & Eagles: Closing Tribute
Sunday, November 12th 11am-12:30pm
Haines Borough Public Library
Join us for the closing event of the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival. During this program, we will celebrate the history of the Preserve & Foundation and pay tribute to Dave Olerud for his lifetime dedication to eagles and his enduring legacy. Dave Olerud will be presented with a well-deserved honor in recognition of his remarkable contributions to eagle conservation. We're also thrilled to have special guest Al Batt joining us for this special occasion.
Special Guest: Al Batt
Al Batt is a writer, speaker, storyteller and humorist whose observations about nature and humankind are published in many newspapers and magazines, and heard on many radio stations. He shares his stories with anyone who will listen. His mother thinks he’s a big deal.
Tribute to Dave Olerud
Dave Olerud, originally from Boyd, Minnesota, embarked on an extraordinary journey with his wife to Alaska to teach. This adventure led to the creation of the American Bald Eagle Foundation in 1982. Dave's vision for ABEF was not only to protect local bald eagle populations and preserve their habitat but also to enhance the economy of Haines.
The Foundation opened its doors to the public in 1984. Over the years, it expanded its mission, from educating the public on the natural history of these magnificent birds in 1994 to the addition of a live raptor center in 2010. Today, the ABEF stands as a testament to Dave's unyielding commitment, housing a flock of live raptors and an exceptional collection of over 200 specimens in its museum.
In 1987, while overseeing the construction of the ABEF's facility, a collapsing wall tragically left Dave paralyzed from the waist down. Despite this life-altering event, Dave's unwavering determination ensured that his vision for the ABEF would persist. He refused to let this obstacle deter him from his mission.
Dave's dedication to eagles and his enduring legacy serve as an inspiration to us all. It is with profound gratitude that we honor Dave Olerud for his remarkable contributions at our closing event for the festival, where he will be presented with the well-deserved award, "In Grateful Tribute: Dave Olerud's Dedication to Eagles."
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