Kids fish during Refuge Fest at DeSoto NWR. - FWS photo by Cindy Myer

Guests enjoy a boat tour during Refuge Fest. - FWS photo by Cindy Myer

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge hosted the 7^th annual Refuge Fest, June 2.  Approximately 750 visitors participated in the event, which included an early morning carp fishing contest and an afternoon of outdoor recreational activities, from youth archery clinics to boat excursions on DeSoto Lake. 

Originally intended to attract visitors for fishing, the event’s focus has changed to educate youth about the outdoors and its recreational opportunities.  This year’s event reflected this change as many more families and their children participated.