M&T Bank sponsors Raptors Up Close

M&T Bank has awarded Hawk Mountain Sanctuary a $5,000 grant from the M&T Charitable Foundation to support the world-famous Sanctuary and its premier weekend program, the signature audience-attracter, Raptors Up Close!. All weekend programs are offered Saturdays and Sundays, September through November and again during spring migration, April 1 through mid-May.

“M&T Bank is honored to extend our partnership with Hawk Mountain Sanctuary that began more than two decades ago,” said Phil Johnson, Regional President for M&T Bank.

“Committed to the well-being of our communities, M&T understands the importance of the wildlife observation, research, and education the Sanctuary provides. In removing financial barriers, our partnership promotes free outdoor experiences that enhance social, mental, and emotional health for all who visit these local landmarks.”

The popular Raptors Up Close program is accompanied by other weekend programs that focus on raptor identification and trapping and tracking birds, all presented when fall foliage and large numbers of migrating hawks, eagles, and falcons draw thousands of visitors from across the state and beyond.

“Thanks to support from the M&T Bank Charitable Foundation, people enjoyed high-quality programming in a safe outdoor setting, and have the chance to connect with Nature at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. We are grateful,” says Director of Development Mary Linkevich.

“M&T Bank helps Hawk Mountain attract new visitors and allows us to provide a high-quality outdoor recreation and learning opportunity for residents. It’s fun, free, educational, and supports the local economy—it’s a win-win,” Linkevich adds.

The M&T Charitable Foundation strives to strengthen our communities by providing support for a diverse range of civic, cultural, health and human service organizations through grants, employee volunteerism and in-kind services.

The world’s first refuge for birds of prey, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is the oldest and largest, member-support raptor conservation organization globally. Its scenic overlooks, mountaintop trails and Visitor Center are open year-round as a nature-tourist destination, and Hawk Mountain is well-known as a prime observation point to watch than annual migration of hawks, eagles and falcons. Trail fees, membership dues, gifts and grants support the Sanctuary's global raptor conservation mission, which includes scientific research, professional training, and public education programs.

The Hawk Mountain mission is to conserve birds of prey worldwide by providing leadership in raptor conservation science, and by maintaining Hawk Mountain Sanctuary as a model observation, research, and education facility. For more information on Hawk Mountain, visit www.hawkmountain.org or call 610-756-6961.