During a recent trip to the national wildlife refuges of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I discovered a wonderful series of DVD documentaries featuring the state’s national wildlife refuges.

STRS Productions Inc. is working on a five-movie series that highlights the large variety of wildlife to be found within North Carolina’s refuges. The STRS website states that the DVDs are meant to “show the importance of our Refuge system (which is unique to the United States) and their hard work in animal and habitat conservation…’REFUGE’ the series is bringing this beauty to your living rooms in Hi-Definition with all of the natural sounds of wildlife and a glorious musical score to enhance the experience.”

The first DVD in the series features Lake Mattamuskeet NWR and the second DVD features Pocosin Lakes NWR. Both refuges were established to protect and manage waterfowl, although they also provide habitat for a large diversity of wildlife and plant life. The films take an intimate look at individual species and the challenges they face with predators and weather. In particular, the Pocosin Lakes documentary features two noteworthy events — the Evans Road Wildfire and a freakish snowstorm, both of which present difficulties for wildlife in the film. In addition, this DVD offers an interesting look at the well-known black bear population at Pocosin Lakes, with some stunning footage of two male bears fighting over a female. A trailer for the Pocosin Lakes DVD can be found on the RefugeWildlife.com website (and also here) .

The Lake Mattamuskeet DVD features beautiful scenery and footage highlighting the large amounts of migratory waterfowl that the lake receives. Lake Mattamuskeet is North Carolina’s largest natural lake, and it’s clear that it provides vital habitat for a wide variety of resident and migratory species. Video clips of the Lake Mattamuskeet DVD can be seen on the RefugeWildlife.com website.

The two DVDs can be purchased on the STRS site and also at the Pocosin Lakes NWR and Pea Island NWR gift shops in North Carolina. STRS reports that 10% of gross sales will be given back to national wildlife refuges.The third film in the series will feature Pea Island NWR, which is a beautiful seaside refuge at the southern end of Bonner Bridge on the Outer Banks.

Tags:
National Wildlife Refuge System, North Carolina, Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge