East Coast
Vulture Festival 2008

WHY a Vulture Fest?
For several years, nearly 200 Vultures (Turkey and Black) have made Wenonah, New Jersey their winter home, returning each evening to form a communal roost in town (their previous winter roost was lost to development). The scientific name for Turkey Vultures, Cathartes aura ("golden purifier"), refers to their role of cleansing the environment. Yet the behavior and beneficial contributions of vultures are not well understood by the public.  A fun, educational event.  Festival proceeds are used to support local environmental education.

This short video report from 6ABC Action News provides a good overview of how the Festival came into existence:

Copyright 2006, ABC Inc. Used with permission.

Festival Activities Include:

    Vulture Day Children's Fair

  • 3:00-5:45 pm…. Free crafts, games, storytelling, and displays for the whole family.
  • 3:00-5:45 pm…. Take a guided walk to watch vultures flying overhead and returning to their roosts around the streets of Wenonah.
    The East Coast Vulture Festival Evening Roost
  • 7:00-7:30…. Fruit salad, elegant desserts and beverages will be served, with time to socialize, visit the Vulture Store, and view exhibits.
  • 7:30-9:00 pm….. Presentation by The Center for Birds of Prey including live vultures and birds of prey.
  • 9:00-9:30 pm…. Live music performed by singer-songwriter Jim Six.
  • 9:30-10:00 pm…. Music and dance featuring the Road Kill Review Dance Ensemble.

Cost
Afternoon events are FREE.

Tickets for evening events are $18 for adults;  $10 for children 12 and under.

Locations

  • Afternoon activities will start at the Wenonah Community Center (former train station), East Mantua Avenue and North East Avenue, Wenonah, NJ 08090.  (See the Google map for directions.)

  • Evening activities will be held just two blocks away at Wenonah Elementary School, 200 North Clinton Avenue, Wenonah, NJ 08090.  (See the Google map for directions.)

Wenonah is a 20 minute drive southeast of Philadelphia.  Nearby lodging includes: Fairfield Inn (Deptford), Residence Inn (Deptford), Best Western (West Deptford), and Red Bank Inn (West Deptford).  For more possibilities, check VisitSouthJersey.com .

 

The vultures are waiting to see you!