ExxonMobil - Helping Hands

Dominion at Work on Trail

The Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex has experienced change since September 30, 2006.  The change and challenges this year were faced by looking to our partners for help.  Through our partnerships, we accomplished improvements for the resource and for visitors alike.

In October 2006, Dominion Virginia Power and the Friends of the Potomac River Refuges combined forces to spruce up the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.  Dominion Virginia Power hosted a conservation project on the refuge and accomplished four work projects in the process.  In one day, this combined effort produced a structure for the Bird Banding Station, an osprey platform visible from the public parking area, an observation deck and blind overlooking a marsh, and a kiosk at the public parking area.  The refuge furnished most of the wood for this one-day project; the Friends group purchased additional supplies and lunch; and Dominion offered the man-power and expertise.  In one-day, we accomplished projects that would have taken the refuge, working alone, most of the year to complete considering the additional responsibilities faced throughout the year.

The partnership efforts didn't end there.  Exxon Mobile offered assistance at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge to make our refuge a cleaner, safer place.  In the spring of the 2007, the annual shoreline cleanup was conducted.  We were fortunate to experience the largest crowd of ExxonMobil employees, family and friends since the start of this partnership (184 individuals). Those who participated donated over of 800 hours of service.  The Friends of the Potomac River Refuges as well as refuge staff and volunteers were on hand to assist in facilitating the joint venture.  Approximately 2 miles of shoreline were cleaned of harmful trash and tires.  Two large roll-off dumpsters were filled to capacity and overflow trash was handled by a few trips to additional dumpster sites in the area.

The newly named Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge also received a little sprucing up.  In July, a Virginia State Youth Conservation Corp completed work at the refuge.  Under the direction of refuge staff and volunteers, the 14 person team completed extensive upkeep to Woodmarsh trail. The projects included lining a large portion of the trail; laying wood chips along Fern Pass; installing  information signs along the trail; removing the old and deteriorated overlook at Raccoon Creek: and repairing 48 feet of split rail fence along the trail. 

These successful projects can be added to the contributions and efforts of many Friends organizations and partnerships all across the country.  Partnerships will be needed in our immediate future to accomplish the tasks set forth by the National Wildlife Refuge System at our local refuges.  Together we can…!