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Company sponsoring “Birds of Prey” program for local schools in January
PLAINFIELD, Ind. – Visiting a coal-fired power plant in western Indiana may not be high on your “bucket list,” but you might change your mind if that visit included an opportunity to watch America’s national symbol, the bald eagle, flying, nesting and fishing along the Wabash River.
Plans are in the works for the return of “Eagle Viewing Day” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30, at Duke Energy Indiana’s Cayuga Generating Station in Vermillion County. The power plant is located along State Road 63, approximately 35 miles north of Terre Haute.
The event is free and open to the public.
The 2015 program was cancelled due to heavy outdoor construction activity on plant property.
“We’ve already had a number of groups and individuals ask us about this year’s program,” said Tom Knapke, the plant’s environmental coordinator. “We’re happy to report that the outdoor construction work is now finished, making it safe for the public to come and view these majestic birds in their natural environment.”
During most years, the area near Cayuga station along the Wabash River holds the state’s largest population of mid-winter migratory bald eagles. When area lakes and rivers freeze over, warm water discharged from the Cayuga power plant keeps the river area near the plant free of ice, which attracts fish that the eagles hunt and eat.
“We have had over 25,000 visitors attend this event since 1996,” said Bill Luke, Cayuga plant manager. “With the help of our retirees and volunteers, we hope to make the day memorable for our guests.”
Additionally, the American Eagle Federation will be on hand to present the ever-popular “Birds of Prey” program at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The program features several live species of birds, including the golden eagle and the bald eagle. Guided tours of the Cayuga power plant will also be available.
Eagle viewers should dress warmly and may want to bring their cameras, binoculars and spotting scopes. In the event of bad weather, no backup day is planned.
Meantime, Duke Energy is sponsoring the “Birds of Prey” program for several local schools, as follows:
Tuesday, Jan. 26
- Vigo Elementary School in Vincennes, 9 a.m.
- North Knox Intermediate School in Bruceville, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 27
- Attica Elementary School in Attica, 9 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 28
- Turkey Run Elementary School in Marshall, 9:30 a.m.
- Rockville Elementary School in Rockville, 2 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 29
- Deming Elementary School in Terre Haute, 9 a.m.
- Franklin Elementary School in Terre Haute, 1:30 p.m.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy Indiana’s operations provide about 7,500 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 810,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it the state’s largest electric supplier.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.