President Theodore Roosevelt established the first national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge on March 14, 1903 at Pelican Island, Florida. Today, the National Wildlife Refuge System protects nearly 95 million acres, with 540 national wildlife refuges and thousands of wetland production areas.
Mark Your Calendar!
The Celebration of aCentury of Conservation
100 Years of the
National Wildlife Refuge System
March 13-16, 2003
Sebastian, Florida
Thursday, March 13
National Wildlife Refuge System Time Capsule Display Dedication
1:00 pm
Indian River Mall, Vero Beach, FL
Kick-off a weekend of events to celebrate the 100th birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Unveiling of the national time capsule display, with artifacts from
some of Americas 540 national wildlife refuges.
Entertainment by The Peabody Orlando Ducks, Challenger the bald eagle, and President Theodore Roosevelt.
Friday, March 14
Centennial Celebration Ceremony
10:00 am.*
Riverview Park, Sebastian, FL
Celebrate the 100(superscript: th) birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System at Americas first - Pelican Island.
U.S. Postal Service First Day of Issue Ceremony for the Pelican commemorative postage stamp.
Entertainment by Voices of Liberty from the Walt Disney World Resort
Performance of President Theodore Roosevelt
Live wildlife demonstration by Jack Hanna of Wild Animal Adventures
* Arrive early to avoid traffic delays. Event will open at 9 am.
Arlo Guthrie Concert and Fireworks
7:00 pm
Riverview Park, Sebastian, FL
Live music by Pete Harris and Sebastians own Arlo Guthrie. Sponsored by the City of Sebastian and Sebastian River Area Chamber. Fireworks to follow.
Saturday & Sunday, March 15 & 16
11th Annual Pelican Wildlife Festival
9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Riverview Park, Sebastian, FL
First day opening of Centennial Trail and Observation Tower and Pelican National Wildlife Refuge
U.S. Postal Service Pelican stamp booth
Live wildlife shows by Jack Hanna of Wild Animal Adventures and Jim Fowler of Wild Planet
Exhibitors
Arts and crafts
Kids activities
Live music
Environmental education activities
Boat tours to view Pelican Island
Food
Seminars
All events are free and open to the public.
For area lodging information and additional event details as they develop, go to http://pelicanisland.fws.gov
Events being held nationwide. Need story ideas? Media should check out: http://refuges100.fws.gov/
For the media in the Southeast, call (404) 679-7291 or e-mail tom_mackenzie@fws.gov
