Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

Looking for something positive to do on Sept. 11?

Why not consider joining Mormon Lake Lodge, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Northern Arizona Audubon at a free special event to help save the magnificent osprey birds in the Mormon Lake habitat area?

The purpose of the event, “Save the Osprey,” is to clean up the forest areas around Mormon Lake from litter that can injure nesting birds like osprey and other wildlife.

The trash pickup will focus on collecting the loose and wind-blown twine used to bale hay, because birds such as osprey pick up the twine and put it in their nests. This can be fatal to the bird parents and their offspring who often become entangled in the twine, and they can hang to death.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mormon Lake Lodge will provide a free barbecue lunch for all “Save the Osprey” event participants from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Following lunch, an informative “Watchable Wildlife” presentation will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The featured speaker is Joe Yarchin, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s “Watchable Wildlife” Coordinator.

His presentation will focus on how and when to view wildlife, both responsibly and efficiently.

Those planning to attend should arrive at Mormon Lake Lodge and meet at the Environmental Learning Center between 8:45 and 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 to receive cleanup information. Wear sturdy shoes, bring gloves, water, sunscreen and wear a hat.