| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 29, 1997 |
Diana M. Hawkins or Vicki M. Boatwright |
There are hundreds of special places across the country where you can see bald eagles soar, watch buffalo roam, hear the honk of a Canada goose and the cry of the loon, marvel at the flutter of an endangered butterfly, or wet a line for trophy trout.
These special places are called national wildlife refuges, and there are more than 500 of them throughout the United States, many within an hour's drive of major cities. The 92-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System is a unique part of America's natural heritage, one which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been in the business of safeguarding for nearly 100 years.
During its annual celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week the second week of October, the Fish and Wildlife Service showcases the special scenic beauty and bountiful wildlife that seek refuge on the world's largest and most diverse network of lands and waters dedicated to plants and animals and their habitat.
"We hope the American people will consider National Wildlife Refuge Week an open invitation to come learn about and enjoy our rich wildlife resources on national wildlife refuges," said Jamie Rappaport Clark, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "I'd like to think people also will come away with a respect and appreciation for the National Wildlife Refuge System and its wildlife conservation mission."
This year's National Wildlife Refuge Week celebration takes place October 12-18, during which time hundreds of special events across the country are planned, with activities such as fishing derbies, nature walks, birding tours, special hunts, nature photography and wildlife art contests, and environmental education.
The National Wildlife Refuge System includes scenic lands of astounding beauty and remarkable variety, from the tall-grass prairie in Iowa to the moss-draped cypress stands in the swamps of Louisiana, from yucca forests of Nevada to the icy Arctic Slope of Alaska, from the great Okefenokee swamp on the Florida-Georgia border to the gentle waterfalls on the island of Kauai.
What all these special places have in common, however, is they are prime wildlife habitats. Hundreds of national wildlife refuges strategically located along the four major "flyways" ensure ducks, geese, and even tiny songbirds have places to rest on their long, annual migrations. About 60 refuges are home to endangered species like the bald eagle, Florida manatee, and whooping crane. Still others host buffalo, elk, antelope, and bighorn sheep. From wildflowers to caribou, national wildlife refuges are places where plants and animals reign supreme.
This was President Teddy Roosevelt's idea when he established tiny Pelican Island in Florida in 1903 as the first national wildlife refuge. At the turn of the century, millions of birds were being wantonly killed or slaughtered for their feathers to meet the fashion demands of the day. Roosevelt's mission was clear: protect Pelican Island's birds from poachers and plume hunters. With that simple promise of wildlife protection, the National Wildlife Refuge System was born.
The Service's Acting Southeast Regional Director, Dale Hall, said that refuges are not only havens for wildlife, they are also scenic getaways for nearly 30 million Americans each year. Hiking nature trails, birdwatching, hunting, fishing, and nature photography are all popular activities on refuges. Hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren visit refuges each year to learn about nature and the environment. Hall noted that throughout the Southeast, hundreds of activities have been scheduled to attract visitors to refuges and he encouraged individuals and families to attend some of the events in their area. Listed below, by state and refuge, are events being held all across the Southeast:
ALABAMA
09/29/97 The public is invited to view the National Wildlife Refuge display booth and endangered species display at the Clarke County-Washington County Fair in Jackson through October 4. Refuge staff will be available from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to answer questions and provide information.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: (334) 246-3583, or send an E-mail
to:
r4rw_al.chc@fws.gov
10/11/97 Eufaula Indian Summer Day. The refuge will have exhibits at the annual festival held on North Randolph Street in Eufaula, Alabama.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, Phone-334-687-4065, or send an E-mail
to:
r4rw_al.efl@fws.gov.
10/02/97 The Wet Wild Festival is an annual event, that focuses on National Wildlife Refuge Week and the importance of wetlands, clean water, soil erosion control, habitat preservation, recycling, and many other environmental issues. Thursday and Friday, events are for school children and attract approximately 900 students.
10/04/96 On Saturday the event is open to the public from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and generally attracts more than 1,500 visitors. Conservation organizations will provide programs and information for visitors, a number of learning stations will be staffed on the grounds throughout the day and free hot dogs and soft drinks will be served.
10/18/97 Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge will staff a booth at the 16th Annual Southern Wildlife Art Festival to promote National Wildlife Refuge week. The event will be held at Calhoun Community College on October 18-19 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, Phone: 205/350-6639, or send an E-mail
to:
r4rw_al.wlr@fws.gov.
ARKANSAS
10/14/97 The public is invited to an Open House from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Meet at refuge headquarters.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone 501-564-2429 or Wapannocca
National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 279, Turrell, Arkansas, Phone 501-343-2595; or send an
E-mail to:
r4rw_ar.bgl@fws.gov
10/15/97 Refuge staff will host an Open House at refuge headquarters, 16 miles south of Augusta, AR on Highway 33, from 8:00 a.m. - 10 a.m.. Staff will meet with visitors and provide information about refuge activities and public use opportunities. Refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, Cache River National Wildlife Refuge,
Augusta, AR., Phone: (870) 347-2614, or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_ar.nea@mail.fws.gov
10/04/97 From 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., an exhibit will be placed at the annual Wiggins Cabin Festival in Crossett, AR. Mounts of several species will be displayed, along with some live reptiles. Information, and "Take Pride in America" materials will be available.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: (870) 364-3167, or send an E-mail
to:
r4rw_ar.fsl@fws.gov
10/12/97 Visitors are invited to an Open House from 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Free coffee, donuts, National Wildlife Week Posters, folders, maps and other items will be available. The public will receive free admission to the refuge during National Wildlife Refuge Week. The refuge is about 5 miles south of Dardanelle, Arkansas. Call headquarters for specific directions.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: (501) 229-4300, or send an E-mail
to:
r4rw_ar.hlb@fws.gov.
10/15/97 Open House from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at refuge headquarters. National Wildlife Refuge Week materials will be available.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, Wapannocca National Refuge, P.O. Box
279, Turrell, Arkansas, Phone 501-343-2595, or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_ar.bgl@fws.gov
10/15/97 The refuge hosting a field day on October 15, in celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week. The event will include visitor tours of the refuge and information about forest management, crops favorable to wildlife, and moist soils' vegetation. Potential for viewing deer, bear, waterfowl and songbirds is likely to be high.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: 870-946-1468, or send an E-mail
to:
r4rw_ar.whr@fws.gov.
FLORIDA
10/12/97 Morning Bird Walks at the Marsh Trail will begin at 8:00 a.m. and are scheduled for 10/15/97 and 10/18/97 at the same time. Numerous other activities for youngsters are also planned at the visitor center from October 12-18.
10/14/97 National Wildlife Refuge Week Ceremonies will take place at the visitor center at 10:00 a.m.
10/15/97 Refuge staff will visit Sterling Nursing Home, Tequesta, FL, and will use a live animal demonstration during a discussion on the species' habitats and need for protection.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: 561-732-3684.
10/12/97 The public is invited to participate in conducted tours of Seahorse Key lighthouse. Staff will be on hand all day to permit general public access, that is normally not available. Transportation to and from the island will not be provided.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: (352) 493-0238, or send an E-mail
to:
r4rw_fl.cks@fws.gov
10/04/97 Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge will celebrate its Third Annual National Wildlife Refuge Week "Discover Your Refuge System." Activities include: a "Conservation on Canvas" wildlife art show, live animal exhibits including birds of prey and a florida panther, film presentations, conservation group displays, environmental education games, and a "Discover Your Refuge Boat Tour." On October 4, 1997, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. a kick-off celebration will be held at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge on Kings Bay Drive, next to Port Paradise Resort in Crystal River, FL.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: (352) 563-2088, or send an E-mail
to:
R4rw_fl.chs@fws.gov.
10/14/97 Pine Woods Elementary School will visit the refuge to learn about endangered species on the refuge. Coloring books, activity books, posters, bumper stickers and stick-on Blue Goose tattoos will be given out to all visitors.
10/17/97 A nature walk on the sand, at Pine-Scrub Oak Trail at 9:30 a.m. Meet at refuge headquarters.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, ARM Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Boynton Beach, Florida; phone: 561-732-3684.
10/04/97 The J.N. "Ding" Darling and Florida Panther Refuges, will display exhibits celebrating National Wildlife Refuge Week at the Coastland Mall in Naples, FL between 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
10/10/97 The Refuge, Care and Rehabilitation of Wildlife, and the Calusa Nature Center will hold a "Kids Festival" between 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Sanibel Elementary School. Wildlife exhibits, including live animals, will on display.
10/11/97 A National Wildlife Refuge Week celebration will be held at the Super Wal-Mart in South Ft. Myers, FL (US Hwy. 41 and Six-mile Cypress Pkwy.) between 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.. Exhibits will include live birds of prey and various related displays and handouts.
For more information, contact: Steve Alvarez J.N. "Ding" Darling NWR at (941)
472-1100, or send an e-mail to: steve_alvarez@mail.fws.gov or Ben Nottingham, Florida
Panther NWR at (941) 353-8442, or send an E-mail to:
ben_nottingham@mail.fws.gov.
10/11/97 Exhibits depicting wildlife and their habitat will be set up at Drummond Community Bank in Chiefland, FL.
10/13/97 Staff-conducted bird and flower walks will take place in the morning. Contact refuge office for times and meeting places.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: (352) 493-0238 or via or send an
E-mail to
r4rw_fl.swe@fws.gov
10/18/97 A "Discover Your Refuge Tour" will feature live native animal displays, children's nature activities, live raptor displays from Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, and scientific research demonstrations regarding wildlife at Kennedy Space Center.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: (407) 861-0667.
10/15/97 A presentation of the refuge's general slide program will take place at the refuge headquarters on Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. and again on Friday, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
10/17/97 The public is invited to participate in guided walks along the Watson Wildlife Trail at 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon, and again on Saturday, 10/18/97 at 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Contact refuge headquarters to register. All programs are free. No Refuge entrance fee.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: 305-872-2239, or send an E-mail
to
r4rw_fl.nkd@fws.gov
10/5/97 The refuge is sponsoring a "Discover Your Refuge" day. Three learning stations will be available to provide visitors with information about refuges, bats and butterflies. Participants will receive printed materials on refuges, wildlife and backyard habitat.
10/7/97 Students' tours will be conducted at the refuge from Oct. 7-17.
10/14/97 The Refuge will offer an "Adult Discovery" educational series tailored for adults. The first class is scheduled at 10:00 a.m.-2.00 p.m. and will cover refuge habitats for butterflies
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: 904- 925-6121, or send an E-mail
to:
r4rw_fl.smk@fws.gov
10/13/97 Daily 4-hour staff-guided island tours are offered, October 13-17, with limited seating. Call for reservations (maximum of four people per reservation).
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: 850-653-8808, or send an E-mail
to:
r4rw_fl.svn@fws.gov.
GEORGIA
10/12/97 Savannah Coastal Refuges will co-sponsor a joint conference of the Georgia and South Carolina Association of Marine Educators. Field programs are planned at the refuge beginning at 9:00 a.m. Pre-registration is required.
10/17/97 Nighttime nature walks will be conducted on Harris Neck, Pinckney Island, and Savannah refuges from 8:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. Participants will be exposed to the nighttime activities of the refuge's wildlife residents. A limited number of passes will be available for these walks, led by refuge staff and volunteers.
For more information, contact: Savannah Coastal Refuges, Savannah, GA, phone:
(912)652-4415, or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_ga.scr@fws.gov
10/3/97 At the Westin Peachtree Hotel, Atlanta, GA, the Service's Assistant Regional Director for External Affairs will speak before members of the American Zoo Association on the subject of the National Wildlife Refuge System and will highlight the partnership between Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Zoo Atlanta. The Pelican Island players will perform in a mini-drama, depicting the birth of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
10/06/97 Various schools across Georgia will participate in four interactive television programs focusing on national wildlife refuges and featuring Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. The programs sponsored in partnership with Zoo Atlanta, will be aired on the Georgia G-SAMS Television Network.
10/11/97 The Okefenokee Festival at the Chesser Island Homestead will feature Bluegrass music, crafts, and special presentations emphasizing the early settlers' self-sufficient way of life.
10/18/97 Open House
For more information, contact: refuge manager, Phone: (912)-496-7836, or send an E-mail
to:
r4rw_ga.okf@fws.gov
10/14/97 Refuge tours for Jones County outdoor education class and honors biology students to learn about wildlife/forestry management, will take place 10/14/97 - 10/15/97.
10/16/97 10/16/97-10/18/97 - Scheduled is a disabled hunt for wheelchair-bound hunters -- the 7th annual deer hunt for those confined to wheelchairs only. Interested participants should contact the refuge by October 1.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: 912-986-5441.
LOUISIANA
10/15/97 Open House in the refuge's newly constructed office/shop building on Poole Road in Ferriday, LA takes place from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: 318-316-7119, or send an E-mail
to:
r4rw_la.coc@fws.gov.
10/17/97 A short radio program on the Refuge System will be broadcast on local public radio station (KEDM 90.3 FM); 12:20 noon & 7:06 p.m.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: (318) 726-4400 or send an E-mail
to:
r4rw_la.lwm@fws.gov
10/12/97 During National Wildlife Refuge Week, the refuge is offering extended hours of operation to allow more visitors. The refuge, which is normally closed on Sundays and has reduced hours of operation on Saturdays, will be open and staffed on Sunday, October 12 and Saturday, October 18.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: 318-598-2216.
10/11/97 Catahoula refuge staff will display and staff an exhibit at the Alexandria Zoo.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: (318) 992-5261 or send an E-mail
to:
r4rw_la.cth@fws.gov
10/18/97 The Service will be hosting a National Wildlife Refuge Week information booth at the Prien Lake Mall, Lake Charles, LA. Refuge information, brochures, and displays will be available to the public.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: (318) 774-5923, or send an E-mail
to:
r4rw_la.lcs@fws.gov
10/10/97 The refuge is sponsoring "Name the Cajun Man," a name-suggesting and essay contest open to all students of Calcasieu and Cameron Parish schools in grades 1-5. Entries must be submitting by October 10, 1997, and winners will be announced October 17, 1997.
For more information, contact: Dawn Zirrillo, Sabine National Wildlife Refuge,
Hackberry, LA, Phone: (318)762-3816 or send an E-mail to:
will_nidecker@fws.gov.
10/25/97 From 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., on the grounds of the former Holy Redeemer School in Lacombe, Louisiana, the Service is sponsoring displays, food, music, tours of the Big Branch Marsh NWR, and children's activities and games.
For more information, contact: SE Louisiana Refuges, Slidell, LA, phone: (504)
646-7555, or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_la.sel@fws.gov
10/15/97 The public is invited to take a 3-mile evening canoe tour on the Tensas River. The tour can accommodate 20 participants and pre-registration is required.
10/16/97 Visitors can take a 5-mile evening hay ride. This event can accommodate 25 participants and pre-registration is required.
10/17/97 Special "Night Maneuvers" is a nighttime hike through the Tensas woods. Pre-registration is required.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, phone: (318) 574-2664, or send an E-mail
to:
r4rw_la.tnr@fws.gov
MISSISSIPPI
10/12/97 A refuge biologist will be at the old catfish ponds from 5:00 p.m. until dark on 10/12/97 and from 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. on 10/13/97 to describe shorebird management efforts on the refuge, and to give visitors a hand at identifying shorebirds and wading birds.
10/12/97 A portable display will be set up at the Elizabeth Jones Library at 1050 Farfield Ave. in downtown Grenada, MS, from 10/12/97 to 10/18/97 to celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week.
For more information, contact: Mississippi Wetlands Management District, P.O. Box 1070,
Grenada, MS 38902, phone: (601) 226-8286 or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_ms.mwm@fws.gov
10/18/97 On every hour from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon on Saturday, Oct. 18, refuge staff, cooperators, and volunteers will lead guided boat tours of estuaries, bayous and middens. Visitors should take I-10 Franklin Creek Exit (1st in MS going west from Mobile, AL); go south across Highway 90 to Pecan; cross railroad tracks; continue 3 miles to boat landing.
For more information, contact: Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge,
7200 Crane Lane, Gautier, MS 39553. Phone: (601) 497-6322 or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_ms.mis@fws.gov
10/18/97 The public is invited to an Open House from 9:00 a.m.-12 noon at refuge headquarters/visitor center, ½ mile north of I-10, Exit 61. Activities will include guided birding walks, a guided refuge auto tour, a radio telemetry demonstration, and a prescribed fire demonstration. Contact the refuge for precise schedules.
For more information, contact: Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge,
7200 Crane Lane, Gautier, MS 39553. Phone: (601) 497-6322 or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_ms.mis@fws.gov.
10/18/97 An Open House at the refuge office from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. will include a dedication of the new Scattertown Trail at 9:30 a.m. at the trail entrance near Bevils Hill Church. There will also be an introduction of the new Prairie Trail located at the Morgan Hill Overlook, as well as the new binocular scope at the very popular Goose Overlook.
For more information, contact: Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, phone: (601) 323-5548,
or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_ms.nxb@fws.gov.
10/12/97 The refuge will be celebrating National Wildlife Refuge Week from October 12 through 18, and will kick-off the event with an auto tour route open to the public to view wading and shorebirds, waterfowl and other wildlife. The 7-mile auto tour will be open from Sunday, October 12th through Saturday, October 18th, from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. The public is also invited to visit the refuge's new headquarters located 15 miles south of Natchez at Sibley. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife
Refuge, Natchez, MS, Phone: (601) 442-6696, or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_ms.stc@fws.gov
10/18/97 Refuge biologist and expert on local flora and fauna, David Linden, will host a free nature tour of the Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge. The tour will leave Yazoo refuge headquarters at 8:00 a.m. and will return by 11:00 a.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own binoculars and drinking water.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge Complex,
Route 1, Box 286, Hollandale, MS 38748, phone: (601)839-2638, or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_ms.yzo@fws.gov
NORTH CAROLINA
10/11/97 Alligator River Owl Prowl - Saturday, October 11 at 6:30 p.m..
10/17/97 USFWS Exhibit at the North Carolina State Fair. Learn about some of the region's most precious resources and get to know some of the staff.
10/25/97 Red Wolf Howling Safari. It's almost HOWL-oween! Meet at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island at 7:00 p.m.. Bring flashlights and insect repellent. Dress for the weather.
For more information, contact: Refuge Manager, Alligator River National Wildlife
Refuge, phone: 919-473-1131, or send an E-mail to:
alligator-river@outer-banks.com
10/26/97 The public is invited to visit the refuge's booth at the Autumn in the Park Festival in Concord, NC
For more information, contact: Refuge Manager, Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge,
Wadesboro, NC, Phone: (704) 694-4424, or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_nc.ped@fws.gov.
10/12/97 An "Open Roads Day" on the refuge allows visitors to access a portion of the refuge (around the wetland management impoundments) that is normally closed to motorized vehicles. Entry by motor vehicle will be allowed from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 1997. Wildlife observation, photography, hiking and biking the roads, and fishing are some of the wildlife-oriented activities available on the refuge. A handicapped accessible fishing pier, designed to accommodate four persons, is available on the east impoundment. A North Carolina fishing license is required to fish on the refuge. Refuge maps and information leaflets are available at the refuge's visitor center, 1-mile south of the Virginia/North Carolina state line on NC Route 615.
10/15/97 The refuge's second 4-day public deer hunt is scheduled for October 15-18, 1997. Hunting is by shotgun, muzzle loading rifles/shotgun, and archery only. A North Carolina hunting license and signed refuge hunt permit are required to be in the hunter's possession while hunting on the refuge. No reservations are required and hunters may select sites and hunt anywhere within the designated hunting areas. The Refuge hunting permit and regulation leaflet is available at refuge information kiosks, or may be obtained by contacting the refuge office from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge,
Knotts Island, NC, Phone: (919) 429-3100, or send an E-mail to:
r2rw_nc.mck@fws.gov
10/12/97 Staff, at both the historic Mattamuskeet Lodge and the refuge office will be available to describe to visitors the significance of the National Wildlife Refuge System. A special exhibit will be on display in the historic Lodge which describes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's efforts to protect and enhance wildlife for the benefit of the American people. There will be brochures, posters, bookmarks, and other free materials. Lodge hours will be Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.. As always, historic tours of the building will be available during these times. Office hours will be Tuesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m..
10/18/97 The public is invited to join a refuge biologist from 9:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday October 18 at the refuge headquarters to explore and learn about our valuable wetlands. Please phone 919-796-1000 for reservations.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
Route 1, Box N-2, Swan Quarter, NC 27885, Phone: (919) 926-4021 or send an E-mail to
r4rw_nc.mtk@fws.gov.
10/06/97 Visitors are invited to participate in fall bird walks at 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Mondays from September 15 through the end of November. Meet at the Pea Island Visitor Center, 4 miles south of Oregon Inlet. Field guides, binoculars, and insect repellent recommended.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, Alligator River National Wildlife
Refuge, Phone: (919) 473-1131, or send an E-mail to:
pea-island@outer-banks.com
10/23/97 Refuge employees will staff a booth at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh, NC.
10/23/97 Refuge employees will staff a booth at the "Peopleless" Festival in Wadesboro, NC.
10/26/97 Garden Club Presentation about the refuge and ecosystem focus area.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge,
Wadesboro, NC, Phone: (704) 694-4424, or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_nc.ped@fws.gov
10/11/97 The public is invited to the Scuppernong River Festival in Columbia, NC. Attractions include a parade, 5K run, canoe races, banner displays and a refuge-staffed information booth.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge,
Creswell, NC, Phone: (919) 797-4431, or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_nc.poc@fws.gov.
10/18/97 Visitors are invited to enjoy food and fun at a Southern-Style Pig-Pickin' and an event to celebrate the chartering of a Refuge Friends Group, Saturday, October 18, 1997, 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at the Bertie County Administration Building, 106 Dundee Street, Windsor, NC 27983. Call for reservations.
For more information, contact: refuge manager, Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge,
Phone: (919) 794-5326, or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_nc.roa@fws.gov
SOUTH CAROLINA
10/5/97 Noted naturalist Rudy Mancke and the Sewee Association will guide visitors on a tour of Bulls Island on Cape Romain NWR. Tour includes a ferry to Bulls, transportation on the island, and lunch. Donations will support the refuge education activities through the SEWEE Association. Limited to 70 people. 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.. Registration required. Cost: $50 (tax-deductible donation)
10/6/97 Join Cape Romain NWR and their education partner, Francis Marion National Forest, in a Tour of the National Forest with South Carolina naturalist Rudy Mancke. Tour will include van transportation and lunch. Registration required, limited to 50 people. 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Cost: $30 (tax-deductible donation) .
10/12/97 Visit the Cape Romain Lighthouse with the volunteer who coordinated its restoration. After a short program at the Sewee Center, take a ferry to Lighthouse Island to this 165-foot structure. Limited to 35 people. Bring snack, water and bug spray. Wear comfortable clothing & prepare to be muddy as you walk through the marsh to the island. Registration required. Cost:$25 (for ferry). 1:00 - 5:00 p.m..
10/12/97 Join the SC Center for Birds of Prey in their weekly 1-hour presentation at the Sewee Visitor Center. Curator Scott Treml will bring 2 educational birds and discuss the situations that cause raptors to be injured. 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.. Cost: Free.
10/15/97 "Raptors of the South Carolina Lowcountry" - Jim Elliott, Exec. Dir. of the SC Center for Birds of Prey, will talk about the raptors found in lower South Carolina. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Sewee Visitor Center. Cost: Free.
10/16/97 "Red Wolf Howling" - Meet at the Sewee Visitor Center for a 30-minute presentation on endangered red wolves and the wild breeding program on Cape Romain. Then move outside for the opportunity to hear the wolves at the Center howl from 7:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.. Cost: Free.
10/18/97 "Bulls Island Tour" - Join refuge staff for a guided tour of Bulls Island and learn of the conservation management programs for endangered red wolves, loggerhead sea turtles, and migrating waterfowl. Bring lunch, water, bug spray and wear comfortable clothing. 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.. Limited to 25 people. Registration required. Cost: Free if you have your own boat to go to Bulls, regular ferry fees if you use that for transportation.
10/18/97 "Birds of Prey Program" Join Scott Treml from the SC Center for Birds of Prey for an interesting hour on raptors, their habitat and reasons for injuries needing rehabilitation. Scott brings 2 educational birds and claws and feathers to enhance the learning experience. Sewee Visitor Center. 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Cost: Free.
For more information, contact: Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center, 5821 Hwy. 17 N, Awendaw, SC 29429, Phone: 803-928-3368
10/12/97 A fall wildflower walk will be led by refuge staff and local Botanists. Night prowl-Participants will be driven along refuge roads and use spotlights to locate native wildlife. Space is limited. Contact Refuge Office for reservations.
For more information, contact: Refuge manager, Carolina Sandhills NWR, Phone: (803)
335-8401, or E-mail:
r4rw_sc.crs@fws.gov
10/17/97 Nighttime nature walks will be conducted on Harris Neck, Pinckney Island, and Savannah NWRs from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. Participants will be exposed to the nighttime activities of the refuge's wildlife residents. A limited number of passes will be available for these walks led by refuge staff and volunteers.
10/18/97 An outdoor program on wildlife conservation will be conducted for children on Pinckney Island NWR. Wildlife conservation officers from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and refuge officers will incorporate native wildlife into the event. Pre-registration is required.
For more information, contact: Savannah Coastal Refuges, Savannah, GA, (912) 652-4415,
or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_ga.scr@fws.gov
TENNESSEE
10/12/97 A Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge information booth will be set up and staffed by refuge personnel at the Wal-Mart, in Ripley, TN.
For more information, contact: Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge, Ripley, TN, Phone:
(901) 635-7621, or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_tn.rlf@fws.gov
10/12/97 Throughout National Wildlife Refuge Week, posters and information packets will be available at Cross Creeks NWR Visitor Center, Dover, TN. The Visitor Center will be open - Monday through Friday - 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For more information, contact: Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge, Dover, TN, Phone:
(615) 232-7477, or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_tn.crk@fws.gov
10/18/97 Open house at Oneal Lake for a preview of Project Fish and Whistling Wings Wildlife drive currently under construction. Hatchie NWR and National Wildlife Refuge Week information will be available for all visitors.
For more information, contact: Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, Phone: (901) 772-0501,
or E-mail:
r4rw_tn.htc@fws.gov
10/12/97 A hunting, fishing and wildlife-watching information booth will be set up and staffed by refuge employees at Wal-Mart, Covington, TN.
For more information, contact: Lower Hatchie, National Wildlife Refuge, Phone:
(901)901/635-7621 or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_tn.rlf @ fws.gov
10/04/97 A display and information on national wildlife refuges will be available to the public at Octoberfest, at Paris's Holy Cross Catholic Church, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
For more information, contact: Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, Paris, TN, Phone:
(901) 642-2091 or send an E-mail to:
r4rw_tn.tns@fws.gov
X X X X
Release #: R97-86.
1997 News Releases