The first systematic count from the main overlook began in 1972, also the year the Banding Research Station opened. The city acquired approximately 200 adjacent acres in 1973 to serve as a buffer for the Nature Reserve. A naturalist program began in 1975. Friends of Hawk Ridge was established in 1979 to support the programs and research conducted on the Ridge. Hawk Ridge is now known as one of the major sites for observation of raptor migration.
Visitors come from all over the world in the fall.
Indeed, our guest register has entries from thousands of visitors who have come from all 50 states and from over 40 foreign countries.