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2009 Events Calendar
Click for printable 2009 Events & Exhibits Calendar (PDF)
Refuge Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset. Visitor Center Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily, closed on federal holidays.
January
Judith Crouch Feather Art Exhibit - January 1 - 31 - Art utilizing wild turkey feathers to form a seamless canvas for subjects of wolves, eagles, buffalo and bears February
Great Backyard Bird Count - February 13 - 15, Help count the birds through the windows of the visitor center. Refuge personnel and volunteers will be on hand to help keep track of sightings. How many different species can we find? The Great Backyard Bird Count is a joint program of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society March
April
Derrald Farnsworth- April 1 - May 30 - Using nature and scenic landscapes as his photography pieces, Derrald enlists his technological background through the use of digital imaging, to create his masterpieces. Spring Turkey Hunt - April 19 and 20 - For mobility impaired and youth hunters. Applications are now being accepted for this hunt. Interested youth hunters may apply for the hunt by sending in a card with their name, address and telephone number. A random drawing for these limited slots will take place at the DeSoto Visitor Center at 2:00 p.m. on March 3rd. The drawing is open to the public. Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult. For more information contact Mindy Sheets, Assistant Refuge Manager, at 712/642-5405 or email mindy_sheets@fws.gov Archery Turkey Hunt Season - April 13th - May 17, 2009 - The refuge will open to the public from April 13 through May 17 for archery turkey hunting. A refuge Archery Turkey Hunting Access Permit is required and can be obtained free of charge at the DeSoto Visitor Center, which is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. (except for Federal Holidays). The permit includes a map showing the areas that archers can hunt. All hunters must be properly licensed, follow all applicable state and federal regulations and carry the refuge access permit while hunting. For more information contact Mindy Sheets, Assistant Refuge Manager, at 712/642-5405 or email mindy_sheets@fws.gov May
DeSoto's Annual Spring Bird Count - Saturday May 2, 2009. Birders of all skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. If you have an interest in participating, you can contact myself or Jerry Toll at 453-9239 for details. Bring a sack lunch and join us for a day of birding and enjoying the great outdoors. If we have enough birders, we will attempt to cover Boyer Chute NWR as well. International Migratory Bird Day - May 9, 2009- Discover and learn about birds and migration at Boyer Chute NWR, Ft. Calhoun, NE. Contact Information: boyerchute@fws.gov or http://www.birdday.org Wilson Island Campground Programs - May 22 through September 4, Friday evening programs.
June
Jeff Murray Photography Exhibit - June 6 - August 1 - Area artist showcases local wildlife and fauna, attempting to preserve nature’s beauty through his photographic lens. DeSoto RefugeFest June 6, An outdoor family-fun day with a carp fishing contest, boat tours, canoe and kayak rides, fishing and archery clinic, and food concessions. the event is hosted at the South Gate Recreation Area of the Refuge.
July
Bike To Boyer 2009 - June 27 - Bike through scenic Boyer Chute national Wildlife Refuge and raise community awareness about recreational opportunities there! Event is sponsored by the Friends of Boyer Chute and DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. Check it out at:http://www.friendsofboyerdesoto.org August
Pam Cates Exhibit- August 16 - September 27 - Painting outdoors in the ‘plein air’ tradition. http:pamcates.com September
National Public Lands Day - September 26, Saturday. Join refuge staff and friends for the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance our public lands. Volunteer projects will include seed collecting, invasive plant removing, and trash collecting. For more information about Natinal Public Lands Day, visit their website at http://www.npld.com/ October
National Wildlife Refuge Week - October 11 - 17, Explore the refuge and it's wildlife through a variety of activities, from bird walks to refuge tours. Come discover the wonders of nature. Russ Duerksen art exhibit - October 10 - November 20, Enjoy Russ Duerksen's artwork of the Midwest; then visit with him at the Art of the Wild Show and Sale. On display at the refuge's visitor center. November Art of the Wild Show and Sale - November 21 and 22, Saturday and Sunday; 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Annual event featuring a variety of artwork, photography, carving, and more from local artists. Event takes place in the visitor center. December
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