Festival Year: 2020
Rodney Stotts
Roles: Special Guest
Rodney Stotts is a master falconer and licensed raptor specialist from Southeast Washington D.C. Under his organization Rodney’s Raptors, Mr. Stotts creates interactive and educational programming, allowing adults and children of all ages to experience the excitement that comes from holding a live bird of prey. He is also a staff member of the Earth Conservation Corps under their Wings Over America division, and a youth community leader, creating transformative opportunities that connect young people to the environment and their community. Mr. Stotts’ love for falconry stems from the fact that it helps to keep the local raptor population healthy, while crossing all color, socioeconomic and ethnic barriers. Through Mr. Stotts’ work, he makes the powerful connection between endangered species and local youth who must navigate survival in a stressed community. He believes “Falconry can help build character, compassion and caring. Its importance is immeasurable. It changes lives.”
Festival Year: 2020