Thanks to the artistry of fine woodworker Zach LaPerriere, there is now a beautiful bench along the Alaska Raptor Center’s nature trail in perfect view of its iconic eagle release podium. The project, which was generously funded by Subway of Sitka, commemorates the Alaska Raptor Center’s 500th eagle release as well as its rich 40-year history rescuing and caring for Alaska’s wild birds.

“We wanted to mark the milestone appropriately, and also provide our guests the opportunity to sit, relax and take in the natural wonders of Southeast Alaska” explained Jennifer Cross, Executive Director of the Alaska Raptor Center.

In January 2021, Zach found the perfect tree for the project – a blown down 124-year-old yellow cedar on Galankin Island. He milled the planks onsite and hauled the wood by boat back to Sitka. Several weeks later, the bench was complete and on a sunny day in early April, Zach and two volunteers installed it on a sturdy base with cement footings to ensure it will stand the test of time.

Zach reflected, “When I was asked to build a special yellow cedar bench for the Alaska Raptor Center, I saw an opportunity to highlight a beautiful, special tree, and in addition to my own design, I saw the bench as a canvas to showcase the talented work of Mary Goddard.”

Mary Goddard is an Alaskan Native jewelry and film artist currently living in Sitka. Mary hand carves, shapes and cuts selected materials using traditional formline design as well as realism to create each one of her unique pieces.

Zach continued, “I have long wanted to contrast yellow cedar and copper in a single piece, and the lovebirds perfectly blend Tlingit art, local wood, and the mission of the Alaska Raptor Center.”

When asked about the significance of the copper carvings Mary explained, “Eagles and Ravens are the two moieties in the Tlingit culture. Basically, this means you either belong to the Eagle moiety or the Raven moiety, and from there it is broken down by what house you are from. Rather than a last name, like how we are known today, in the Tlingit culture you are known by what moiety and house you belong to. When placed side-by-side they are commonly referred to as lovebirds. In Tlingit society, Eagles and Ravens are in opposite clans so an Eagle would marry a Raven, thus lending to its popular reference of “lovebirds”. This is also a testament to the importance of balance in our culture. If there is an Eagle, then a Raven brings balance, and vice versa.”

Mary added, “It is my pleasure to be able to share my art, especially with the Alaska Raptor Center, who so generously gives to our communities. I am also passionate about having art in prominent places that reveal our culture here in Southeast Alaska. Not only for the visitor industry, but for those who live here whom proudly give a nod to the Tlingit and Haida people that have been here for thousands of years. My hope is that the copper Eagle and Raven creates curiosity to learn more about Alaskan culture. The Alaska Raptor Center’s mission and our culture is connected by the very birds that they work to save daily.”

“We are grateful and honored that both Zach and Mary agreed to be involved, and couldn’t be happier with the outcome!” said Jennifer.

Zach concluded, “I hope all who visit the bench feel a greater connection to the Tongass, old growth forest, Tlingit art & culture, and the enduring work of the Alaska Raptor Center.”

*The Alaska Raptor Center is open to the public by appointment only. Visit AlaskaRaptor.org or call 907-747-8662 for details and visitor information.

Check out a quick tour of the Lovebird Bench narrated by fine woodworker, Zach LaPerriere.