Festival visitors were able to learn about the National Wildlife Refuge System and participate in an interactive exhibit provided and staffed by the Science Museum of Virginia. They saw live hawks and owls up close and personal, courtesy of the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia and had the chance to take in several photography workshops hosted by a representative from Nikon. Other activities included monarch butterfly and bird banding demonstrations, and displays of the vehicles the refuge uses to manage grassland. State and local elected officials and Evan Hirsche, president of the National Wildlife Refuge Association, spoke at the Friends membership meeting.

Lunches were provided by the Friends group, along with free samples of Barbara's Bakery cereal. The Friends of the Potomac River Refuges increased its membership from 32 to 67 at the event.