Several years ago, I relocated from a big city environment to the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee. My family had vacationed in the area when I was younger, and I'd always dreamed of living here. Since moving to the Smokies, I've developed a greater appreciation for the environment and our responsibility to protect and preserve that environment.

The area in which I live has many opportunities to become involved in programs such as "Friends of the Smokies", which works to maintain the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and "The National Foundation to Protect America's Eagles".

The Dollywood Theme Park, located here in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, works hand in hand with the Eagle foundation, and contains the largest Eagle sanctuary in America. Dollywood provides a home for non-releaseable eagles, and invests much time and money in research and caring for these birds.

The American Bald Eagle population has been making a recovery in the United States for the past 38 years. However, the Department of the Interior may take the Bald Eagle off the Endangered Species List by the year 2000. If that occurs, the natural habitat of bald eagles will no longer be protected by the Endangered Species Act. Programs such as the one at Dollywood are vastly important to the efforts to protect and preserve the safety and future of America's eagles.

Recently, The Music Mansion Theatre, along with Dollywood and the National Foundation to Protect America's Eagles joined together to stage a benefit for the foundation. The day's activities included a concert at the Music Mansion starring local entertainers and stars from the country music world, arts and crafts exihibits, an art auction, and a "Taste of the Smokies" festival. As an employee of The Music Mansion, I was privileged to be a part of such a great effort, and am glad to report that it was a huge success, garnering media attention as well as much needed funds for the foundation.

Hopefully, this will be an annual affair in Pigeon Forge! If you'd like to learn more about the National Foundation to Protect America's Eagles, please contact them! They have lots of different ways in which you can help, and really make a difference!!

If you happen to visit Pigeon Forge, please take the opportunity to visit Dollywood to see the eagles themselves. These majestic birds are kept in a natural habitat, and you'll enjoy the opportunity to observe them, and enjoy the national symbol of America's freedom.