Penny Challenge for the Birds

Now through March 30, classes in Avery County elementary schools will be gathering their change and participating in the “Penny Challenge,” benefiting some feathered friends.

The event is a fundraiser, hosted by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Animal Habitats, to raise money for the upcoming eagle habitat renovations.

The current eagle habitats at Grandfather Mountain are well-maintained, but feature open-topped enclosures, creating several potential issues, according to foundation officials.

Ravens, bears and other animals can enter the eagles’ home, stealing their food and posing a threat to their well-being.

Another drawback stemming from the park’s lack of a fully enclosed eagle habitat, is Grandfather’s inability to adopt other eagles that may be partially or fully flighted, officials said.

Even though these eagles may have the ability to fly normally, other injuries, such as eye problems, could render them unable to hunt for food and survive in the wild. The pending renovations will add tops to the enclosures.

Information packets will be dropped off at each school, as well as an informational video that will be shown to the children.

The class that raises the most money in each individual school will win a field trip to Grandfather Mountain and a special animal habitat program.

The class that raises the most in Avery County will get a field trip to Grandfather, in addition to a behind-the-scenes tour of the animal habitats.

For more information on the eagle habitat renovation project, visit http://www.grandfather.com or call (828) 733-8715.