Pictured above: Carl Palmer (Elderhostel Volunteer), Steven Living (VDGIF), Laurel Wilkerson (USFWS), Cherron Davis (VTC), Sandra Hicks (VTC), Jake Porter (VDOT), Lou Hinds (USFWS), Photographer: A. Daisey

On Thursday, June 12^th, a two-panel kiosk highlighting the Eastern Shore Loop of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail and Chincoteague and Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuges was unveiled at the Virginia Welcome Center (New Church) on Route 13 South.  On this permanent exhibit, spectacular images of wildlife, habitat, and compatible recreation (donated by refuge volunteers and visitors) bring to life the connected wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the 70-mile long peninsula of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.  This multi-year project was made possible by the partnerships of the following federal and state agencies and national programs: Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Virginia Department of Transportation (VTC), and Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program (CZM), and Service Elderhostel Program. At the Virginia Welcome Center over 100,000 visitors each year will now have an expanded opportunity to connect with nature.