Participants in Kenai Refuge's 2008 Fall Fun Day learned how to use a compass as part of a host of activities for all ages

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge celebrated National Wildlife Refuge Week a little early, but with just as much enthusiasm as if it had been October 12 - 18.  The week celebration for all 548 national wildlife refuges around the Country comes a little late to help ensure a nice day out-of-doors at Kenai - hopeful for brilliant fall colors and sunshine.  The Refuge has been lucky in having perfect conditions by scheduling their event for over a decade now for the last Saturday of September each year.  "Kenai Fall Fun Day 2008" was no exception.  Approximately 200 visitors enjoyed the day with crafts, snacks, hikes, and presentations held at the Refuge Headquarters and Environmental Education Center September 27.  Activities included learning about bird watching, identifying local plants, how to use a map and compass, and the importance of carrying the right things for your fall hikes.  Participants were able to make their own high energy trail mix, make a book mark out of colorful leaves, participate in talks and guided hikes, and complete children's activities with prizes.  Volunteer Bud Crawford hosted visitors in the historic Andrew Berg cabin and author Taz Tally gave a presentation and held a book signing event featuring his new book, "50 Hikes on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula".  Fall fun was had by all!  For more National Wildlife Refuge System Week events contact a refuge near you.  Wildlife refuges are home to more than 700 species of birds, 220 species of mammals, 250 reptile and amphibian species, and more than 200 species of fish.  There is at least one wildlife refuge in each of the 50 states, and one within an hour's drive of most major U.S. cities.