St. Petersburg, FL (January 2025) – Immerse yourself in the world of raptors at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve’s 11th Annual Raptor Fest on Saturday, February 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 1101 Country Club Way S. This free, family-friendly event offers a close encounter with raptors and a day full of engaging activities. Highlights include live demonstrations of trained raptors in free flight, environmental exhibits, bird walks, and photo opportunities with live birds of prey. Attendees of all ages can enjoy interactive activities, and food and beverages will be available for purchase. Only handicap parking is available at the preserve. Parking is located at Lake Vista Recreation Center (1401 62nd Ave. S.) and Lakewood High School (1400 54th Ave. S.), with free shuttle services operating from both locations to the event site. The mission of Raptor Fest is to support the Birds of Prey program at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. The preserve is home to 17 non-releasable raptors that play a vital role in educational outreach. These birds, deemed non-releasable by licensed rehabilitators, are cared for by the City of St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department and the Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. Raptor Fest annually raises over $10,000 to support the care and well-being of these birds while attracting more than 5,000 visitors and dozens of local vendors and environmental organizations. For additional details about the event or to learn how to adopt a bird of prey, visit www.raptorfest.org or contact Boyd Hill Nature Preserve at 727-893-7326. About the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation DepartmentThe St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department is nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. With 17 recreation facilities, nine swimming pools, over 150 parks, and more than 70 athletic fields, the department is committed to preserving and enhancing the city’s parklands and recreational facilities while engaging the community in a wide range of leisure activities. Visit stpeteparksrec.org to learn more. About Boyd Hill Nature PreserveOperated and maintained by the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department, the 245-acre Boyd Hill Nature Preserve features the Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center, the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, the Terry Tomalin Campground, and the Birds of Prey aviary. The preserve offers a variety of educational programs and recreational services for all ages, including camps, classes, events, tours, and trails. Visit boydhillpreserve.com for more information. About the Friends of Boyd Hill Nature PreserveThe Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is a nonprofit organization that collaborates with the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department and Boyd Hill Nature Preserve to promote awareness, educate the public, and protect the preserve’s natural resources. Visit friendsofboydhill.org to learn more.