The Riedel Foundation has awarded the Mississippi Hills Chapter of the Missouri Master Naturalists a $1,750 grant to support the 2026 Hannibal Eagle Day, a free, family‑friendly nature event celebrating the region’s wintering bald eagles and the importance of conservation.
The grant will help fund live eagle and raptor presentations by the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis—one of the most popular features of last year’s inaugural Hannibal Eagle Day, which drew more than 650 attendees. With continued support and expanded outreach, organizers anticipate even greater participation in 2026.
“Due to the generosity of the Riedel Foundation, we are able to bring the live raptor show to Hannibal for all visitors to witness these magnificent birds in flight,” said Eagle Day Chairperson Theresa Casey.
Eagle Day was created after the chapter’s six years of involvement with Clarksville Eagle Days, where the Missouri Department of Conservation invited the group to help staff and eventually co‑lead the event. Recognizing the need for a similar educational opportunity closer to home, the chapter launched Hannibal Eagle Day to bring high‑quality nature programming to Northeast Missouri residents.
“Hosting this event locally removes barriers for families who may not be able to travel,” said Kristy Trevathan with the Mississippi Hills Master Naturalist Chapter. “Eagle Day helps people understand the bald eagle’s remarkable recovery and the role each of us plays in protecting wildlife and natural habitats.”
The event aligns with the chapter’s mission of engaging Missourians in the stewardship of our state’s natural resources through hands‑on learning and community partnerships. All activities are free and handicap accessible.
Event Features
Visitors will enjoy a full day of nature education and activities, including:
- Live raptor and eagle presentations by the World Bird Sanctuary
- Educational displays on eagle adaptations and rehabilitation
- Eagle‑themed crafts, including mask coloring, nature‑stamped postcards, and “tree cookie” necklaces
- Nature games such as quizzes, a raptor‑matching game, and “Land the Eagle in the Nest”
- A life‑size human‑constructed eagle nest
- Story time with Hannibal Public Library staff
- A nature book giveaway for all children
- Viewing scopes on the riverfront for eagle watching, staffed by Master Naturalists
- Information booths from Sodalis Nature Preserve, Hannibal Tree Board, Stream Team, Missouri Bluebird Society, and other partners
- Local nature artists displaying and selling their work
The 2026 Hannibal Eagle Day will take place in February at the Admiral Coontz Armory and along the Hannibal riverfront. Additional event details will be announced soon.