U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Want to try something wild this summer? You don't have to go far or spend a bundle to do it. National wildlife refuges are teeming with out-of-the-ordinary seasonal events. The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S.F.W.S., has been called America's best kept secret. Many Americans have never visited a wildlife refuge or know what they're missing, even though there's a refuge within an hour's drive of most major U.S. cities.
Here is a sampling of summer events on National Wildlife Refuges:
Join the Bitterroot BioBlitz
Saturday, June 27 − Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, Montana
Join scientists, students and community members in a 24-hour effort to find and identify as many species of animal and plants as possible. The park open to volunteers runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
See the eagles
July − Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota
Take a volunteer-led eagle-watching tour at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month through July. Guided tours leave at 6:00 p.m. by four-wheel-drive van from the visitor center at 3815 American Blvd. East. Bring binoculars and wear walking shoes. To reserve a place, call 952-858-0740 at least 24 hours in advance. A $5-per-person donation is requested.
Count butterflies
Saturday, July eleven − Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, Iowa
Join staff and volunteers in roaming the refuge for a butterfly count. Binoculars and guide books will be provided. Learn about butterflies and the plants they depend upon. The event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Watch a unique flying lesson
July and August − Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, Wisconsin
Take a red wolf howling safari
Summer long − Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina
Track a wolf at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Cars caravan to the howling location on Wednesday nights throughout the summer, weather-permitting. There's a nominal charge of $5 to participate in the two-hour guided program. To reserve a place, call 252-796-5600. Bring a flashlight and insect repellant. No pets allowed.
Take an interpretive paddle tour
Selected dates in July and August − Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon
Bring your own canoe or kayak, and you can enjoy an hour and a half guided paddle tour of the refuge. You're responsible for bringing life jackets, a whistle, water and snacks. Refuge employees will supply binoculars for viewing hawks, osprey and other creatures. Advance reservations are needed.
Catch a historic how-to
Sunday, August nine - Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Washington
Learn how Native Americans made hunting tools from stone and bone. Enjoy demonstrations of historic Chinookan tool making, plant harvesting and weaving from natural materials. 12:00 (noon) to 3:30 p.m. at the Cathlapotle Plankhouse. The plankhouse is open regularly on weekends from 12:00 (noon) to 4:00 p.m. through October.
Enjoy a wildlife festival
Saturday, August 22 − Silvio O. Conte Countrywide Fish & Wildlife Refuge, Vermont
Take in the 2nd yearly Nulhegan Wildlife Festival, timed to coincide with the North Country Moose Festival in northeastern Vermont and northern New Hampshire. Enjoy guided river walks, speakers, a flycasting demo, a photo workshop and kids' activities. Live fish and birds of prey from the region will be on display. The festival runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Nulhegan Basin Division Visitor Contact Center.
The mission of the U.S.F.W.S. is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit
www.fws.gov
-FWS-
