The wild life

Paul Schnell and Liberty, the bald eagle will make an appearance at the New York Power Authority Wildlife Festival this weekend.

Conservation will be at the forefront when the 21st annual Wildlife Festival is held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23 and 24, at the Niagara Power Project Visitors Center, 5777 Lewiston Road, Lewiston.

"Niagara's Wildlife Festival is one of some 3,000 hunting and fishing-related events staged by conservation organizations nationwide to commemorate the 35th annual National Hunting and Fishing Day," said Lori Presti, senior tour guide and coordinator of the event.

"It's an opportunity to recognize the contributions of hunters and anglers and all those who work to conserve natural resources," she said.

New presentations this year include:

 Storytelling by the Niagara University Repertory Theatre, and a wildlife scavenger hunt by the Niagara County 4-H Club.

 Additional storytelling by the Wondermakers, with eight different wildlife yarns, including audience participation.

Other festival attractions:

 Niagara University Environmental Leadership Institute will provide hands-on crafts and information about local environmental projects.

 Original paintings by wildlife artist Judith Hartke of Glenwood, N.Y. Children will also have the chance to create their own "ladybug" magnet in art workshops.

 BrightStar, a German shepherd rescue group will promote the value of adopting and rescuing dogs.

 Wildlife rehabilitators from A.W.A.R.E. Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Inc. (formerly Second Chance) will discuss conditions threatening wildlife today.

 Naturalist Paul Schnell and Liberty, the bald eagle, along with other raptors such as a screech owl, peregrine falcon and red tail hawk.

 Jeff Musial of Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics; Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, Buffalo Zoomobile and Aquarium of Niagara; Buffalo State College Professor Don Birdd talking about armadillos; renowned WNY naturalist Carmen Presti of the Primate Sanctuary in Niagara Falls; and interpretive nature programs by the NYS Department of Parks and Recreation.

The Wildlife Festival will be held rain or shine, and admission and parking are free. For more information, call 286-6661, 1-866-NYPA-FUN or visit www.nypa.gov for a complete schedule of events.