As for educating those whose cultural link to the islands isn't as strong, the Conservancy's Legacy Program brings biologists and conservationists into local classrooms to talk about island ecology. Other public outreach efforts include a spring shorebird festival in Chincoteague and a fall birding festival in Kiptopeke, both sponsored by local chambers of commerce. More birding or conservation education programs could only enhance the local economy, said David Parker, vice president of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. During the Kiptopeke festival, birders scope out mostly migrating songbirds and raptors, but also shorebirds on two of the lower islands and on mainland farms. Truitt and others envision a possible new eco-tourism program focusing on both cultural and environmental education.
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