Vultures are an ecologically vital group of birds that perform a crucial clean-up and recycling role in our environment by consuming dead animals that might otherwise spread disease and contamination.

The Center for Birds of Prey is celebrating these amazing but threatened species on International Vulture Awareness Day, Saturday, Sept. 4.

Event: International Vulture Awareness Day

Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Admission: Adults $12; Youth $10 (ages 6-18), No charge for children under 6 accompanied by parent or guardian.

Location:  The Center for Birds of Prey , 4872 Seewee Road, Awendaw (843) 971-7474

Activities: Center educators will provide throughout the day a variety of vulture-centric programs and activities for all ages.

Special programs include interactive "Scavengers and Thieves" walking tours, vulture flying demonstrations, "Identifying SC's Vultures in Flight" and visits to the "Vulture Restaurant."

For info, email info@avianconservationcenter.org, or visit www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org

By celebrating International Vulture Awareness Day, the Center for Birds of Prey is helping to create awareness of the plight of all vulture species worldwide and highlight the work done by conservationists who monitor vulture populations and take steps to conserve the birds and their habitat. http://www.ivad10.org/

Under the umbrella of the nonprofit Avian Conservation Center, The Center for Birds of Prey identifies and addresses vital environmental issues through avian medicine, educational outreach and conservation initiatives. With thoughtfully designed display aviaries, two flight demonstration fields, the 152-acre campus just outside of Charleston, South Carolina offers visitors a chance to experience birds of prey in a natural setting and to better understand avian science and environmental conservation. For further information call (843) 971-7474 or visit www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org.