National Wildlife Refuge System Birthday Celebrates Nation’s Conservation Legacy
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| Seney National Wildlife Refuge - 1935 (Photo credit: Friends of Seney National Wildlife Refuge) |
heritage this month. Many national wildlife refuges around the country
will host open houses and public celebrations in honor of the 109th
birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System on March 14; hundreds will
offer great opportunities for wildlife viewing.
On this date in 1903, President Teddy Roosevelt established the first
national wildlife refuge on Florida’s Pelican Island to protect wild birds
from bounty hunters. Today, the Refuge System’s 556 national wildlife
refuges and 38 wetland management districts make up the nation’s premier
network of public lands, providing vital habitat for thousands of animal
and plant species.
Americans reap added benefits in improved human health and recreation,
such as fishing, hiking, photography and wildlife watching. Refuges also
support local communities, attracting tourist dollars, generating jobs and
supplementing the educational programs of many school systems.
Last year, 45 million people visited a national wildlife refuge. According
to an October 2011 report commissioned by the National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation, a nonprofit conservation organization, refuges and other
natural lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service generated
about $4.2 billion in economic activity and supported more than 32,000
jobs.
“National wildlife refuges are national treasures that play a critical
role in preserving America’s rich wildlife legacy,” says U.S Fish and
Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “Without refuges’ important
conservation work, the country would lose many species of plants and
animals that help clean our air, filter our water, pollinate our crops and
boost our understanding of our place in the natural world.”
Refuge celebrations this month include:
Refuge System Birthday Bash!
Saturday, March 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Patuxent Research Refuge, MD
This free festival includes refuge tram tours, live animals, children’s
crafts, music and entertainment. Enjoy live performances at 11:30 a.m. and
1:30 p.m. by Billy B, the Natural Science Song and Dance Man. Hear a talk
about wildlife artist Bob Hines at 1 p.m.
Happy Birthday Times Two
Saturday, March 10, 9 a.m. to noon — Alligator River National Wildlife
Refuge, NC
Take a free tram tour to celebrate the 28th birthday of the Alligator
River National Wildlife Refuge and the 109th birthday of the Refuge
System. Learn about the history of the area before the establishment of
the refuge. Look for black bear, bald eagles and other wildlife.
Birding and Wildlife Tour
Wednesday, March 14, 9:30 a.m. — J.N. “Ding Darling” National Wildlife
Refuge, FL
Join a free naturalist-guided car caravan through the refuge to celebrate
the birthday of the Refuge System! Meet at the flagpole. Learn about the
history of the Refuge System and of this refuge. Choose from more than 30
free programs a week at the refuge through March.
20th Annual Pelican Island Wildlife Festival
Saturday, March 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Riverview Park, Sebastian, FL
Celebrate the 109th birthday of Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
and the National Wildlife Refuge System. Enjoy exhibits, wildlife shows,
discounted boat tours to Pelican Island, live music and kids’ activities.
Learn more about the festival.
Refuges are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Every state has
at least one national wildlife refuge. There is a national wildlife refuge
within an hour’s drive of most major cities.
Use the “Find Your Refuge” feature on the Refuge System homepage to see if
your local refuge has an event scheduled.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 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. Connect with our Facebook page, follow our tweets, watch our
YouTube Channel, and download photos from our Flickr page.
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