Get up close and personal with some local birds of prey at Foothills Equestrian Nature Center on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

Wild for Life, a local wildlife rehabilitation center out of Asheville will be returning to FENCE to present an educational program on local bird of prey species, their role in the environment and the role of wildlife rehabilitation centers in our area. Wild for Life will be bringing along a few of their educational birds for the presentation as well.

This event is free, open to the public.

Wild for life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that specializes in the rehabilitation of native wildlife. The primary goal of the organization is to facilitate the protection, conservation and preservation of local ecosystems through wildlife rehabilitation. The goals of this organization also include educating the public on wildlife, their importance and what individuals can do to help these animals.

The Kirby Endowment at the Polk County Community Foundation makes this event possible.

For more information about this and other upcoming events visit www.fence.org or call 828-859-9021. FENCE is located at 3381 Hunting Country Road in Tryon.

– Submitted by Amy Schmitte