Planting Native Plants at Pond

Blue Goose and TR Bear judge Hooting Contest

Visiting a National Wildlife Refuge is a reality for many because at least one refuge is within an hours drive from every major city in the United States.  On October 13, 2007, the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Woodbridge, Virginia, was a point of interest for children of all ages.

The Friends of the Potomac River Refuges hosted the 4th Annual Fall Wildlife Festival.  The event was a great success.  More than 725 visitors came out to celebrate nature's wonders with local, state and federal agencies from the surrounding area.  The idea of a festival was conceived as a joint effort of Friends & refuge staff during a mentoring visit in August of 2004.  Since then, our efforts have sought to bring in as many conservation agencies and groups as possible, so that collectively, we can share the story of the natural world. During the event visitors learned about the National Wildlife Refuge System; enjoyed a talk about wild animals of Virginia by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries; enjoyed several shows by Reptiles Alive; participated in several photography workshops hosted by a representative from Nikon; learned about Monarch butterfly banding from an expert; observed a bird banding demonstration; and assisted in planting native vegetation in a pond adjacent to the refuge parking.  Each child was able to participate in an interactive exhibit.  Every agency that participated provided an activity for kids' participation and each child left with a trinket.  Thanks to the Friends of the Potomac River Refuges, Prince William County Conservation Alliance, Prince William Forest Park, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Mason Neck State Park, Northern Virginia Audubon Society, Virginia Native Plant Society, The Hartwell Foundation, Prince William County Soil and Water Conservation District, Veterans Park and many more.  Refreshments were also provided for the day by the Mason Neck Lyons Club.