All About Owls with the University of Minnesota Raptor Center

2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$9,636

Project of

Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative Legacy Grant SFY 2012 - SFY 2013

Fund Source

Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund

Recipient Type

Libraries

Status

Completed

Start Date

June 2012

End Date

June 2012

Activity Type

Education/Outreach/Engagement

Counties Affected

Blue Earth

Brown

Faribault

Le Sueur

Martin

Nicollet

Sibley

Waseca

Watonwan

Project Overview

Information specialists from the University of Minnesota Raptor Center presented 15 programs at libraries throughout the Traverse des Sioux Library System. At each library, three live owls and a bald eagle were shown to the audience, and information about each of the birds was shared. Hands-on teaching tools, such as feathers, skulls, and feet, were used to supplement the program. There was a Q&A session at the end of each program.

Project Details

15 programs with total attendance of 1300+. Event Dates, Locations and Attendance at each individual event: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 – Wells, former Covenant Life School, 140 (90 children, 50 adults) / Tuesday, June 12, 2012 – Winnebago, Winnebago Municipal Center, 150 (90 children, 60 adults) / Tuesday, June 12, 2012 – Waseca, Trowbridge Park, 120 (100 children, 20 adults) / Wednesday, June 13, 2012 – St. Peter, St. Peter Library, 130 (100 children, 30 adults) / Wednesday, June 13, 2012 – Truman, Truman Community Building, 75 (50 children, 25 adults) / Wednesday, June 13, 2012 – Lewisville, no report / Thursday, June 14, 2012 – Fairmont, Fairmont Library, 200 (150 children, 50 adults) / Thursday, June 14, 2012 – Blue Earth, no report / Thursday, June 14, 2012 – St. James, Watonwan County/St. James Library, 71 (50 children, 21 adults) / Wednesday, June 20, 2012 – Winthrop, Winthrop Library, 67 (50 children, 17 adults) / Wednesday, June 20, 2012 – Madelia, Madelia Elementary School Auditorium, 90 (80 children, 10 adults) / Wednesday, June 20, 2012 – Henderson, Henderson Library, 44 (22 children, 22 adults) / Thursday, June 21, 2012 – Sleepy Eye, Dyckman Free Library, 70 (57 children, 13 adults) / Thursday, June 21, 2012 – Comfrey, Comfrey School Cafeteria, 60 (40 children, 20 adults) / Thursday, June 21, 2012 – Sherburn, Sherburn Theater, 89 (67 children, 22 adults)

Project Details: 2012 Fiscal Year

Legal Citation / Subdivision

Laws of Minnesota for 2011 Chapter 6, Article 4, Subdivision 4

2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$9,636

Other Funds Leveraged

$450

Direct expenses

$10,086

Administration costs

$247

Number of full time equivalents funded

Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Through oral surveys of the audience, it was expected that a majority of attendees at each program would enjoy the program, learn something new about owls, go to the library for owl materials such as books and videos. The audience members also would be asked their favorite part of the program, and informal interviews would confirm the educational and entertainment value of the event.

Measurable Outcome(s)

People were interested in how they could help owl/raptor habitat in their area. An overwhelming number indicated this was their first time seeing owls and eagles up close. Several also mentioned that they thought it was fun and their kids learned a lot! “The owl eating the mouse was AWESOME!”

Source of Additional Funds

Traverse des Sioux Library System and University of Minnesota Raptor Center, local businesses and media outlets. Partner Organization(s) Contribution/Role in the Program: University of Minnesota Raptor Center – presentations; Local businesses and media outlets – publicity