How a Kestrel Can Help an Eagle

In the wild, would a kestrel and an eagle help each other achieve their goals? Maybe not. But here in the human world, cooperation is what makes us stronger. That’s why Kestrel Land Trust is deepening its partnership with Eagle Eye Institute, bringing together Eagle Eye’s connection with urban youth and Kestrel’s connection with public lands.

Nature offers an excellent classroom for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about themselves and strengthen a sense of place within our communities. As the “eagle” is new to the Valley, the “kestrel” is helping to share the best places for youth to learn and explore.

After fledging and growing in the Boston area, Eagle Eye Institute has landed in Holyoke, MA. This nonprofit is dedicated to empowering urban people from low-income communities, especially youth of color, to play an active role in caring for our environment.

In 2019, Eagle Eye served 100 middle and high school students in hands-on outdoor programs that introduced youth to the beauty of nature; offered them opportunities to build skills, practice teamwork, and access their creativity; and challenged them to go outside their comfort zones, connecting with new aspects of themselves. Kestrel partners with Eagle Eye on this mission at Holyoke High School’s Dean Campus, and has helped establish a new relationship with the Holyoke Boys & Girls Club and other Holyoke organizations.

Join Kestrel at Eagle Eye’s Hike-a-Thon on Mount Tom

In order to support our partner’s mission, we invite you to participate in Eagle Eye Institute’s 17th annual Hike-a-Thon fundraiser on Saturday, October 26 at Mount Tom Reservation in Holyoke, from 10 am to 2 pm. This event brings the Eagle Eye community together for the purpose of engaging more urban youth in nature.

The Hike-a-thon is Eagle Eye’s biggest annual fundraiser, supported by pledges collected by participants. This year, Eagle Eye has received a one-to-one match, meaning every donation brought in by hikers will be DOUBLED up to $15,000. Please help them take advantage of this generous match in order to meet a fundraising goal of $30,000. Participants are also welcome to hike without fundraising: You can make a personal donation or just pay the registration fee of $25.

Learn more and register here!

The Pioneer Valley is home to kestrels and eagles—their habitats different but interconnected. The Valley is also home to diverse people and nonprofits with diverse missions. When those missions work together, we all contribute to a healthy, thriving, and connected community.