Norman Schuyler, owner of Schuyler Aviaries, gave a program on waterfowl identification. Schuyler used 12 pairs of live waterfowl to illustrate his presentation. These beautifully colored birds created a delightful show for visitors throughout the day. The second highlight was falconer Andrew Bullen with his live gyrfalcon and Gypsy, his peregrine falcon. Bullen provided information on these magnificent birds and how he uses them for falconry. The third highlight was the Delmarva fox squirrel tagging demonstration by U.S. Geological Survey biological science technician Barbara Dowell and biologist Sean Flint. Dowell used two Delmarva fox squirrels to demonstrate tagging and research information collection. The squirrels had been captured in carefully set traps.

Other major activities included the rocket net and waterfowl banding demonstration, live nutria trapping demonstration, and a wildland fire program that included demonstrations on prescribed burning techniques, equipment use, dry hydrants, and foam capabilities.

Smokey Bear activities began at 9:00 with a trail walk through Smokey's Forest. Youths earned a certificates and Smokey Fire Patrol badges and got Smokey Fire Patrol handbooks and activity cards at the Smokey Fire Patrol table. In addition to the scheduled adult and youth programs, many Smokey Bear activities occurred throughout the day. After helping the firemen put out ?fires? (represented by a big red buoy), the kids welcomed Smokey Bear's arrival at 3:30. Smokey greeted everyone, congratulated the Smokey Bear poster contest winners, and shared his 60th birthday cake with all those attending the program.

Other children's activities throughout the day included an invasive species puppet show, bird bingo, peregrine falcon finger puppet construction, youth archery program, an aquatic adventure with a seine net, bird feeder construction and woolly bear caterpillar races.

The Salisbury Zoo's reptile exhibit, Horn Point touch tank, Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center's birds of prey, and Schuyler Aviaries waterfowl live exhibit were available most of the day. Members of the Master Gardener Program assisted children in learning "who put it in the bay." Wildlife inspector J. D. Balden and Maryland Department of Natural Resource's Karen Bowman answered questions on law enforcement and especially on the display of confiscated endangered species items.

Special tours to various areas of the refuge normally not open to the public were given by biologist Dixie Birch and Deputy Project Leader Larry McGowan. Seventeen staff members and 25 volunteers assisted with the event.

In addition to the many refuge activities, the Friends of Blackwater's Eagle Nest Bookstore had merchandise for sale, including the new hunt t-shirt. Food and drinks were sold by the Lions Club outside the temporary visitor information station.