11978 Turkle Pond Rd
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Calendar of Events |
| Monday, May 6 - 4:30pm - 6:00pm | Monday, September 16 - 4:30pm - 6:00pm |
| Monday, May 13 - 4:30pm - 6:00pm | Monday, September 23 - 4:30pm - 6:00pm |
| Saturday, May 25 - 10:00am - 4:00pm | Saturday, October 19 - 12:30pm - 4:00pm |
NATURE HIKES
Spring Discovery Hike - Saturday, April 13 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Experience nature while improving your observation skills and your health during this mid-Spring walk with a volunteer guide. Come prepared for the weather and expect frequent stops. Binoculars will be available to borrow, or bring your own. Beginner hikers are welcome. Trips are free and open to the public. Meet at the refuge office.
Fall Discovery Hike - Saturday, September 28 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Experience nature while improving your observation skills and your health during this fall walk with a volunteer guide. Come prepared for the weather and expect frequent stops. Binoculars will be available to borrow, or bring your own. Beginner hikers are welcome. Trips are free and open to the public. Meet at the refuge office.
P.R.I.M.E. time
Preschoolers (and their parents) are invited to P.R.I.M.E. time! Children listen to a nature-based story and participate in a related activity that will help them learn about the environment. P.R.I.M.E. time is held on the second Monday of each month from April to November from 10:00AM—11:00AM at the Refuge’s Auditorium. When P.R.I.M.E. time falls on a holiday, it will be held on the first Monday of the month. Click here for a P.R.I.M.E. time flyer (pdf-239KB).
| Monday, April 8 | Monday, August 12 |
| Monday, May 13 | Monday, September 9 |
| Monday, June 10 | Monday, October 7 |
| Monday, July 8 | Monday, November 4 |
S.N.A.P. it!
S.N.A.P. it! stands for Shutterbugs for Nature And Photography. Bring your whole family out and try a new nature skill...learning about nature photography! We provide the cameras, you provide the creativity! This program is for families that want to learn new, fun ways to play outside together while discovering wildlife and their habitats. The program features a tutorial session and time to snap photos in the outdoors. You will go home with a printed photo and hopefully a new hobby to enjoy! Photographs will also be put on display in the refuge’s Visitor Center and on the refuge’s website. Cameras are limited, so please call to pre-register. The program is free. Meet at the Refuge office. Click here for a flyer (pdf-126KB).
| Monday, June 17 - 9:30am - 11:30am |
| Monday, July 15 - 9:30am - 11:30am |
| Monday, August 19 - 9:30am - 11:30am |
| Saturday, October 19 - 12:30pm - 4:00pm (no preregistration necessary) |
BIRDING FIELD TRIPS
All birding field trips will originate from the Refuge Headquarters office and run for approximately three hours. There will be two or three leaders, who are all very familiar with the birds found on the Refuge at various times of the year. The locations visited will vary depending on what interesting species are present on the date of the field trip. Since 85 percent of the bird species found on the Refuge are migrants, every month of the year brings the opportunity for different species of birds to be observed.
Participants should bring binoculars if they have them, a field guide and spotting scope (the leaders will all have spotting scopes as well). The Refuge has a few pairs of loaner binoculars if needed. Participants should be prepared to walk up to a mile and should dress appropriately for the weather. In some of the more open locations, wind chill can be a factor in the cooler months. In case of light rain, a trip will still go, but will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain. Insect repellent and sunscreen are recommended in the warmer months.
The field trips are free and open to the public. One birding field trip will occur each month. Please call the Refuge at (302) 684-8419 for more information.
| Thursday, March 21 @ 8:00am | August Trip - To Be Announced |
| Thursday, April 18 @ 8:00am | September Trip - To Be Announced |
| Thursday, May 9 @ 7:00am (Note Earlier Time) | October Trip - To Be Announced |
| Saturday, June 8 @ 8:00am | November Trip - To Be Announced |
| July Trip - To Be Announced | December Trip - To Be Announced |
Pondside Adventures
Discover what types of fish and aquatic insects live in the area during this hands-on exploration of refuge waters. Come pull the seine net or scoop a dip net and see what we catch! Footwear is required; sunscreen and hats recommended for this wet and wild activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the refuge office. Program runs from 1:30pm to 2:30pm.
| Thursday, June 20 |
| Thursday, July 18 |
| Tuesday, August 20 |
REFUGE SUMMER READERS
Send your children on a reading and refuge adventure this summer! Youth ages 8 to 12 read the books on their own, then join us for a discussion and activity related to the story once a month this summer! Please dress for the weather as we will be spending part of the time outdoors. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Parents or chaperones must stay for the program. Books are available for purchase in the Friends Store at Prime Hook or on loan. Meet at the Refuge office from 1:00pm to 3:30pm. Click here for more information and a flyer (pdf-338KB).
Tuesday, June 18: Bully for You, Teddy Roosevelt!
By: Jean Fritz
Today's preeminent biographer for young people brings to life our colorful 26th president. Conservationist, hunter, family man, and politician, Teddy Roosevelt commanded the respect and admiration of many who marveled at his energy, drive and achievements.
Tuesday, July 16: Earth Heroes: Champions of Wild Animals
By: Carol and Bruce Malnor
This third and final volume of the Earth Heroes books features the youth and careers of eight of the world s greatest environmentalists who championed the protection of wildlife. This highly readable volume with illustrations and photographs calls attention to the waves of influence that spread from the ideas and actions of these heroes for the Earth.
Tuesday, August 13: John Muir: My Life with Nature
By: Joseph Cornell
This unique "autobiography" of John Muir is told in his own words, brimming with his spirit and his adventures. The text was selected and retold by naturalist Joseph Cornell and the result is a book with an aliveness, a presence of goodness, adventure, enthusiasm, and sensitive love of each animal and plant that will give young adults an experience of a true hero unlike any found today.
"AN EVENING AT THE HOOK LECTURE SERIES" - 2013
Lectures are on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7:00PM in the Refuge Auditorium. Seating is limited on a first-come, first-serve basis.
| February 14 | Live Birds of Prey, Reptiles, Mammals, & Spiders by Salisbury Zoo Staff (pdf-64KB) |
| March 14 | Edible & Medicinal Wild Plants by Dr. Susan Yost, Educator at the Delaware State University’s Claude E. Phillips Herbarium (pdf-65KB) |
| April 11 | Bat Population Studies in Delaware by DNREC's Delaware Natural Heritage Program Staff (pdf-65KB) |
| May 9 | Horseshoe Crabs - Things You Might Just Find Fascinating by Glenn Gauvry, President of The Ecological Research & Development Group (ERDG) (pdf-64KB) |
| June 13 | Delaware Bayshore Initiative by Karen Bennett of DNREC's Delaware Bayshore Initiative (pdf-64KB) |
| July 11 | Recycling in Delaware by Sarah Culler, Supervisory Public Education & Outreach Coordinator at the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) |
| August 8 | Special Movie Screeing of Green Fire - See the EMMY Award-Winning Film about legendary environmentalist Aldo Leopold. Note: Preregistration is required. Program runs from 7:00pm to 8:15pm. |
| September 12 | Winter Raptor Surveys & Eagle Survey Info by Anthony Gonzon, Nongame Wildlife Biologist at DNREC's Natural Heritage Program |
| October 10 | Forest Loss and Fragmentation - Implications for Rare Birds by Rick McCorkle, Fish and Wildlife Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Delaware Bay Estuary Project office |
10th ANNUAL HORSESHOE CRAB-SHOREBIRD FESTIVAL - Saturday, May 25 from 10:00AM To 4:00PM at the Town of Milton and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
In partnership with the Milton Chamber of Commerce for 10 years, this festival celebrates horseshoe crabs, shorebirds, and other natural resources while encouraging citizen awareness and participation in wildlife-dependent recreation. Activities occur at the Milton Municipal Park and Prime Hook NWR. Milton Municipal Park will feature music, a tent with exhibits from environmental organizations, food, children’s activities, the Horseshoe Crab Express train ride, scavenger hunts, art show, canoe rentals, boat rides, and games. Prime Hook NWR will feature opportunities for visitors to get outside and connect with nature such as a guided canoe trip, nature hikes, pond seining, videos, birding trips, building bluebird houses, archery family fun shoot, horseshoe crab touch tank, and more. Refuge information will be provided on a shuttle bus traveling between the Town and the Refuge. Horseshoe Crab-Shorebird Festival Flyer (pdf-464KB)
Check back here for details or you can visit the Milton Chamber of Commerce website.
YOUTH FISHING EVENT WITH THE LOWER SUSSEX BASSMASTERS - Saturday, June 1 (Rain Date, June 2) at the Milton Municipal Park with Registration at 8:00AM
The Lower Sussex Bassmasters, along with Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, are hosting their Annual Youth Fishing Tournament for kids aged 15 and younger to celebrate National Fishing & Boating Week. The goal of this one-day annual fishing derby on the upper Broadkill River is to promote the recreation of fishing. Registration begins at 8 AM and the tournament will be from 9AM to 1 PM. EVERYTHING IS FREE…..bait, hooks, bobbers, hot dogs, soda, train rides etc. Just bring your fishing poles! Youth participants must have a parent or guardian.
10th ANNUAL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge (Sponsored by the Friends of Prime Hook NWR)
The 10th Annual Nature Photography Contest, which is sponsored by the Friends of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Inc., showcases some of the best and most talented nature photography on Delmarva. The contest is open to all photographers, including separate categories for students. There are several categories with many chances to win awards for photographers of all ages and abilities. Categories include the Beauty of Prime Hook, Native Flowers & Plants, Native Birds, Other Native Wildlife, and Delmarva Scenery. Photographs will be on display from October 19 to December 15 and the exhibition is kicked off with an opening reception for the artists and the general public on October 19. Viewers decide the “People’s Choice Award,” which will be presented at the conclusion of the exhibition.
Details on contest rules will be available by Summer 2013.
DISCOVER THE OUTDOORS DAY - Saturday, October 19 - 12:30PM - 4:00PM
In celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week, visit Prime Hook NWR for an Open House and discover nature and the outdoors. Meet at the refuge office. All program are free and open to the public. No pre-registration required.
12:30 p.m. Opening of Nature Photography Exhibition and Reception to Announce Contest Winners. Come see some of the best nature photography in the region as the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge’s Nature Photography Contest opens today with a reception and awards ceremony. Photographs highlight the Beauty of Prime Hook, Delmarva Scenery, Native Birds, Other Native Wildlife, and Native Flowers and Plants. Visitors to the opening ceremony and exhibition can vote on their favorite photograph as part of the “People’s Choice Award.” The photos will be on display at the refuge auditorium. Photos can be viewed from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The display will remain up until December 15. There is no admission charge, but prepare to be wowed. The annual contest is sponsored by the Friends of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
2:00 p.m. Live Birds of Prey - Animal Behavior & Conservation Connections. This program will present live birds of prey that live locally or migrate through the region. Experience these raptors up close and in person. Learn about the uniqueness of this group of birds and why they have been admired for centuries. Participants will come eye to eye with a Red-tailed hawk, Red-shouldered hawk, Broad-winged hawk, Merlin, and Peregrine falcon. Expert trainer and educators Phung Luu and Jackie Kozlowski will be on hand to show the birds and answer your questions.
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - S.N.A.P. it! stands for Shutterbugs for Nature And Photography. Bring your whole family out and try a new nature skill...learning about nature photography! We provide the cameras, you provide the creativity! This program is for families that want to learn new, fun ways to play outside together while discovering local wildlife and their habitats. The program features a tutorial session and time to snap photos in the outdoors and at the day’s events. You will go home with a printed photo and hopefully a new hobby to enjoy! Photographs will also be put on display in the refuge’s Visitor Center and website.
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Family Fun Archery Shoot. Is your family interested in archery? Whether its target shooting or bowhunting, archery is a life skill the whole family can enjoy together. Anyone aged 8 through adult is invited to learn the basics of archery by instructors certified by the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). Participants are given an archery safety and orientation overview and then they will have the opportunity to shoot at targets. The program will be held either indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather conditions. Parents are encouraged to participate with their child.
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Build a Bluebird Nesting Box. Children become biologists for a day as they construct a bluebird nest box and learn how to monitor its inhabitants by collecting scientific data.
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Fly Fishing with Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware. Learn a new outdoor skill - fly fishing - from members of the Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware club as they provide demonstrations and give you the opportunity to learn how to cast!
