Program Helping Condors Make a Comeback, Airs July 17, 2008
Posted Wed June 25, 2008
- Promotional Contact:
- Carol Howard
- 503-977-7751
Lewis and Clark saw quite a few condors soaring in the skies above the Columbia River through the Cascade Mountains. Later these magnificent birds would fall prey to pesticides, target practice and a declining habitat. In 1982 there were just 22 of the birds in the wild. OREGON FIELD GUIDE examines a breeding program that is helping to restore these giants to the skies. Tune in to the stations of Oregon Public Broadcasting Television on Thursday, July 17 at 8:30pm (and Sunday, July 30 at 2:30am and 6:30pm) to see how effective the breeding program is proving. Also for a look at river surfing and the art of Frank Boyden.
Condors -- The Oregon Zoo hopes that a breeding program they're carrying out at a Clackamas County facility will enable the introduction of this flying giant with a 10-foot wing span, back to the wild places in the Grand Canyon, central and southern California and southern Oregon.
Birds raised in captivity with human contact don't have high survival rates in the wild, so it's a tricky business constructing a facility and program that shields the birds from humans. Researchers hope that someday the condor will buck the odds and once again soar in the skies over Oregon.
River Surfing -- Elijah Mack of Eugene is a pioneer in the newest extreme sport to hit Oregon. He's taken his surfboard, to the river. With wetsuit and surfboard in hand, Mack scouts Northwest river rapids for the best waves to "hang-ten." River Surfing is a sport that combines a kayaker's knowledge of moving water with the balance and endurance of a surfer. Mack is one of only a hand full of river surfers in the Northwest, and as president of the World River Surfing Association, he's leading the way, documenting the best river waves and teaching anyone willing to give it a try.
Artist Frank Boyden -- Frank Boyden, one of Oregon's best-known artists, sees the magic in nature, transforms it in his mind and then into his art. Boyden takes inspiration from what he sees every day outside his back door in the Cascade Head area. Geologic formations, bones, birds, a tree trunk all provide the magic he needs to create his art which reflects a deep love of the area he calls home.
Video clips of the stories featured on FIELD GUIDE can be viewed online immediately following the broadcast at www.opb.org/programs/ofg/
About OREGON FIELD GUIDE
In its 19th season, OREGON FIELD GUIDE remains a valuable source of information about outdoor recreation, ecological issues, natural resources and travel destinations. OREGON FIELD GUIDE airs Thursday evenings at 8:30pm on the television stations of Oregon Public Broadcasting and repeats on Sunday evenings at 6:30pm. In the Mountain Time zone of Eastern Oregon, the program airs at 9:30pm Thursdays, and at 7:30pm Sundays.
About OPB
OPB is the state's most far-reaching and accessible media resource, providing free access to programming for children and adults designed to give voice to community, connect Oregon and its neighbors and illuminate a wider world. Every week, over 1.5 million people tune in to or log on to OPB's Television, Radio and Internet delivered services. As the hub of operations for the state's Emergency Broadcast and Amber Alert services, OPB serves as the backbone for the distribution of critical information to broadcasters and homes throughout Oregon. OPB is one of the largest producers and presenters of national television programming through PBS, and is also a member station of NPR, Public Radio International (PRI), and American Public Media (APM). The OPB Web site is opb.org.
Last Modified Wed June 25 2008 13:59PM
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