Whether its hunting, fishing or wildlife watching, thousands of Americans will flock to national wildlife refuges during National Wildlife Refuge WeekOctober 10-16. Visitors will celebrate the National Wildlife Refuge System's pivotal role in offering outdoor recreational opportunities as well as showcasing the conservation and recovery of wildlife species on refuges across the country. Here in the Southeast, Refuges are offering festivals, exhibits, boat tours, and nature walks.
Bald eagles, whooping cranes and the California condor are some of the endangered and threatened species that have been helped back from the brink of extinction by the work of Service biologists on national wildlife refuges. Nearly 260 threatened or endangered species are found on national wildlife refuges, where they often begin their recovery or hold their own against extinction.
"Wildlife refuges are critically important tothe conservation of fish and wildlife, whether one is thinking of ducks and geese or the recovery of the bald eagle and the California condor," U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Steve Williams said. "Refuges prove their value every day. Some of the best conservation work is done on refuges. "We work hard everyday to raise awareness and promote access to our refuges for hunting, fishing, bird watching, photography, education, and other outdoor opportunities. There is no better place to reconnect with both wildlife and the family than on a wildlife refuge."
The National Wildlife Refuge System, established in 1903, has 544 national wildlife refuges nationwide. There are 125 refuges in the Southeast. Across the country, the National Wildlife Refuge System includes more than 3,000 waterfowl production areas and spans approximately 100 million acres. It provides habitat for more than 700 species of birds, 220 species of mammals, 250 reptile and amphibian species, more than 1,000 fish, and countless species of invertebrates and plants.
At the same time, the National Wildlife Refuge System offers unparalleled wildlife-dependent recreation. It has more than 890 trails covering approximately 2,500 miles, open to the public for wildlife observation and photography. Hunting is offered on 308 refuges; fishing is available on 270 refuges. Additionally, hundreds of environmental education programs are offered on refuges across the country.
But nowhere is the work of national wildlife refuges more important than in the recovery and protection of endangered and threatened species. The California condor, for example, dropped to a low of just 22 birds in 1983. Today, more than 240 condors soar in the wild, nearly 100 of which were raised in captivity on California refuges dedicated to the birds? recovery.
"We are fortunate to have the National Wildlife Refuge System as both an incubator and protector of endangered species and as a place where we can find such traditional recreation as hunting and fishing," Williams said. "I look forward to celebrating National Wildlife Refuge Week on a refuge ? seeing a new generation enjoy our outstanding natural resources.?
Every state has at least one 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 . People living in metropolitan areas can usually find a national wildlife refuge just an hour's drive from home.
"We encourage people to use National Wildlife Refuge Week as a chance to discover wildlife refuges. Look for one near your home," National Wildlife Refuge System Chief Bill Hartwig said. "Today it's more important than ever to reconnect with our natural heritage. So take advantage of the hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching
opportunities on a refuge near you.?
Events at Southeastern refuges during National Wildlife Refuge Week follow: Refuge Week Events 2004 ? Southeast Region
For a complete list of events nationwide, go to http://refugedata.fws.gov/databases/events.taf?_function=list&_UserReference=85D4D5C32E5CFBCBC4D06C4E&_start=1Friday, October 8 ? Sunday, October 10
Georgia:
Coastal Georgia Refuges Complex, Jekyll Island:
2nd Annual Georgias Colonial Coast Birding & Nature Festival. Field trips to 15 different natural areas in coastal Georgia, including several of Georgias national wildlife refuges. Registration is required for field trips and seminars conducted by field biologists. "The Rookery", an interactive exhibit hall located in the Jekyll Convention Center, will offer childrens programs, live raptor shows, and over 50 exhibitors including nature artists, photographers, conservation organizations, and optics companies. http://www.coastalgeorgiabirding.orgSaturday, October 9
Sunday, October 10Arkansas:
White River NWR, St Charles:
2nd Annual White River Wildlife Festival, 10 a.m. ? 3 p.m.
kids activities, exhibits, see new exhibit hall.Georgia:
Okefenokee NWR, Folkston:
Okefenokee Festival, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Annual festival, events at the historic Chesser Homestead. Arts and crafts, community parade, food throughout the day in Folkston. Special sunset boat tour.Florida:
Florida Panther NWR, Naples:
Open House, Starting at 8 AM
Refuge staff and volunteers will provide swamp buggy tours, a photography workshop, and canoe tours through wild orchid habitat during the annual Open House. Currently closed to the public, this special event allows the public to enjoy a rare glimpse at this unique and beautiful refuge. Reservations are required. Please call 239-353-8442 x 233 on October 5, from 8 am until noon.Florida:
Ten Thousand Islands NWR, Naples:
Bird Walk, 8 AM
Join the biologist on a bird walk along a one- mile gravel trail through a fascinating wetland marsh. This walk will provide opportunities to view a variety of wetland and upland bird species. The leisurely hike will last about 2.5 hours. Reservations are required. Please call 239-353-8442 x 233 on October 5, between 8 am ? noon.Florida:
St. Marks NWR:
Reading and Sculpture Dedication. Book reading by the authors for a new environmental book, "Between Two Rivers" and dedication of a new great blue heron sculpture.North Carolina:
Pocosin Lakes NWR, Columbia:
Scuppernong River Festival. Canoeing, kayaking & hands-on activities at visitor center area.Tuesday, Oct. 12 ? Friday, October 15Alabama:
Eufaula NWR:
Indian Summer Arts and Crafts Festival, Downtown Eufaula. Refuge staff at booth with Blue Goose costume informing visitors about refuge system and Eufaula NWR.Florida:
A.R.M. Loxahatchee NWR, Boynton Beach:
Butterfly and Wildflower Walk, 10 a.m. ? meet at the Visitor Center parking lot and explore these small wonders. Swamp Stroll, 2 p.m. ? Meet at the Visitor Center and take a guided stroll through a cypress swampTuesday, Oct. 12-Saturday, Oct 16Tennessee:
Reelfoot NWR, Union City:
Oct 12- Free tours of Grassy and LongPoint units at 8:00 am., 11:00 am, 2:00 pm
Oct 13 - Backyard Habitat/Grassy Bird Walk at 8:00 a.m.
Oct 14 - Backyard Habitat Stewardship Workshop 8:00 a.m, 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Oct 15 - Kids Day from 9:00-2:00 p.m. A variety of activities including animal molds, clay, scavenger hunt, nature games, and pond fishing.Florida:
J.N. "Ding? Darling NWR, Sanibel:
Ding Darling Days, various activities. Schedule at www.dingdarlingdays.com.
Oct 13 ? Grand Reopening Event with Director Steve Williams, 10 a.m.
Oct 16 festival, more than 3,000 visitors expected.Wednesday, October 13-Friday, October 15:
Florida:
St. Vincent NWR, Apalachicola:
Public Tours of St. Vincent Island. Tour limited to 28 people, must make reservations by calling 850-653-8808.Thursday, October 14-Saturday, October 16:
Saturday, October 16Georgia:
Piedmont NWR, Round Oak:
14th Annual Hunt for Wheelchair-Bound Participants. Volunteers needed to scout hunt spots prior to October 14th, assist hunters during hunt and in the campground and assist with general camp duties.Florida:Saturday, October 16 & Sunday, October 17
A.R.M. Loxahatchee NWR, Boynton Beach:
Early Bird Walk, 7:30 a.m. ? Meet at the Marsh Trail to learn about the various birds on the refuge. Canoeing the Everglades, 8 ? 10 a.m. ? Meet at the Boat Ramp parking lot. Must bring own canoe and have some experience. Reservations required by calling 561-734-8303.Children's Story and Craft Hour, 2 p.m. ? Meet at the Visitor Center. For children 5-8 accompanied by adult. Reservations required by calling 561-734-8303.Florida:
Chassahowitzka NWR, Crystal River:
Tenth Annual Wildlife Refuge Week Celebration, 10:00am - 4:00pm, with a Cherokee Indian blessing ceremony beginning at 9:00am. Free boat tours, wildlife and refuge information, conservation displays, children's interactive environmental education activities, face painting, and live acoustic music throughout the day.Louisiana:
Black Bayou Lake NWR, Farmerville:
"Fall Celebration," Friends of Black Bayou Lake NWR Event: 9 AM ? 2 PM, includes groundbreaking for Wetlands Learning Center at 10:30 am.Louisiana:
Cat NWR, St. Francisville:
Friends Field Day sponsored by Friends of Cat Island. Tours to the National Champion Baldcypress tree will be given. Hot dogs and sodas will be available, 10AM to 4PM.Mississippi:
St. Catherine Creek NWR, near Natchez:
Kids Fishing Rodeo, 7:00am to 11:00amWednesday, October 20Alabama:
Wheeler NWR, Decatur:
Southern Wildlife Festival. Annual wildlife art festival held at the local community college. A refuge informational booth will be available, as well as, tours of the refuge. Rangers will present several wildlife programs during the two-day event.Florida:
Cedar Key and Lower Suwannee NWR, Chiefland:
Refuge Open House, 8 a.m. ? 4 p.m. ? Public welcome to tour the Cedar Key Lighthouse and participate in the various activities. Tours of the historic lighthouse, exhibits, touch tanks with marine critters will entertain and enlighten kids and adults alike. Transportation must be obtained from concessionaires or private vessels.Saturday, October 23Mississippi:
Museum of Natural History in Jackson: Dedication of Holt Collier NWR near Hollandale. Deputy Secretary Griles, Senator Cochran, and Congressman Thompson will attendNovember 2-7Arkansas:
Big Lake NWR, Manila:
Community Day, 10:00AM to 2:00PM; the Friends and staff will celebrate with live raptors, poster contest, displays and birding walks.Florida:
St. Marks NWR:
Monarch Butterfly Festival. Welcome the Monarch Migration through our region. Come find out what wildflowers to plant in your yard. Food and activities 9AM-4PM.Mississippi:
Yazoo NWR, Hollandale:
Great Delta Bear Affair. Third annual festival. Purpose is to promote black bear conservation as well as local tourism. FWS is one of many community, government, and corporate partners sponsoring event.Annual Wings Over Water Festival
North Carolina:
Alligator River NWR in Manteo, and Pocosin Lakes NWR in Columbia:
Canoeing, birding trips, lectures. Visit www.wingsoverwater.org for complete program.
