Virginia Delegate Dave Albo (R-Springfield); U.S. Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA-11); Jess Lowry, Mason Neck State Park Chief Ranger; Rob Hartwell, Chairman, Elizabeth Hartwell Environmental Education Fund; William Dickinson, Chairman, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority; Fairfax County Supervisor Gerry Hyland (D-Mt. Vernon); and Prince William County Board Chairman Corey Stewart (R)

Standing Room Only

Unparalleled to previous festivals, the Eagle Festival held on the Mason Neck peninsula in Virginia, was a great success.  The event welcomed over 3700 visitors on Saturday, April 21, 2007.  The great weather, great activities, and great entertainment became the three ingredients for a spectacular day.  Visitors for the day learned more about conservation and different types of public lands in the area.  In addition to the presence of the National Wildlife Refuge System and Va. State Parks, the Bureau of Land Management and Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority were in attendance letting visitors know about opportunities on their property.  Other groups such as Ducks Unlimited, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority Archeologist and Virginia Soil and Water Conservation displayed their skills and knowledge through activities and pamphlets.  Live animal shows seem to be the most popular.  Presentations by the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia, Reptiles Alive, and Under the Sea exhibitors were standing room only.  The event served as a venue to unveil the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge name change.  Federal, state and local representatives attended the event, celebrating the new name.  Refuge activities for the day included a bird banding demonstration, a puppet show featuring Rachel Carson and Elizabeth Hartwell puppets, a van tour to the heron rookery on the refuge, and a tent hosted jointly by the refuge and the Friends of the Potomac River Refuges.