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On December 4, 2004 one of California's most prominent educators passed
away at the end of a 28 year career of teaching students at Woodleaf
Outdoor School. During her tenure she touched the lives of over 170,000
students. She inspired students toward environmental stewardship. She
motivated students to write poetry and create artwork. She did all of
this without speaking a word.
Rusty was a Red-tailed Hawk, who in 1976 when just beginning to fly, had
her life altered by a person who pointed a gun skyward and pulled the
trigger. The actions of this unknown individual caused Rusty's left wing
to be partially amputated and sentenced her to a lifetime on the ground.
Rusty's life, though changed irrevocably in her first year, was not
unproductive. In short time she became the symbol of Woodleaf Outdoor
School and her very presence became a focal point in the instruction of
all who came near. She was a great teacher of students, Woodleaf staff,
classroom teachers, administrators, and anyone else whose life she
touched.
In time, Rusty helped us to understand that the focal point of all
instruction should be caring. This understanding came from Rusty's own
story. While it is possible that the one who shot her knew it was not
right to shoot a bird of prey, that individual clearly did not care. So
it is true of even the simplest environmental concepts. For instance, we
all know we should recycle and we all know why. However, we do not all
practice recycling because knowledge without caring does not translate
to action. Without Rusty we may never have learned this.
With Rusty's inspiration, Woodleaf now has the Radin Raptor Center. This
is a place where injured birds can take refuge until rehabilitated or
where some, like Rusty, will spend their days as ambassadors-there to
teach so that people will be enlightened and perhaps other birds will
not be forced to the ground. Today the Raptor Center is a highlight of
any visit to Woodleaf Outdoor School.
Rusty's education career included an Outstanding Teacher Award from the
State of California in 1993. She is the only non-human to receive such
an award. At 28 years, she was also the longest lived Red-tailed hawk on
record. Indeed, she had much to teach and was granted a long life to
inspire others.
On the afternoon of December 4th, Rusty's body was placed outside by her
perch. There she remained one last time while a rainbow shown through an
opening in the clouds above the Raptor Center. Later that afternoon a
platform was built where she was cremated-her spirit again released to
the sky.
Her presence will be felt at Woodleaf Outdoor School for years to come.
Her spirit will be with us always. Fly again dear friend.
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