National wildlife refuges are a great destination on a cool fall weekend when you’re hoping to catch some of the fall migration action. Check out a few of the upcoming activities. And don’t forget that on Veteran’s Day, the entrance fee will be waived at all refuges.

Hear a Talk on ‘Duck Butts’
Sunday, November 15: Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico
Hear a one hour presentation on the identification of ducks that feed in
the refuge ponds.

For more information:
http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/newmex/lasvegas/index.html or
505-425-3581 ext. 205.

Attend a Premier Birding Festival
November 17-22: Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico
Take part in the 22nd annual Festival of the Cranes a celebration in honor
of the arrival of the cranes. Over 100 lectures, workshops, tours, hikes
and hands-on activities are planned. Learn about the behavior of sandhill
cranes and raptors, take a houseboat birding tour and see exhibits on a
variety of wildlife related topics, with the emphasis on birds plus, much
more.

For more information: http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/newmex/bosque/
or http://www.friendsofthebosque.org/crane/ or 575-835-2077.

Enjoy a Sugar Cane Grinding and Syrup Boil
Saturday, November 21: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia
Visit the Chesser Island Homestead and take part in a traditional sugar
cane boil. Cut your own sugar cane from the garden, grind it using a
traditional mule-operated grinder and sample the sweet cane juice. Watch as
staff and volunteers boil down a vat of sugar cane juice and produce
authentic pure cane syrup.

For more information: http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee/ or 912-496-7836.

Enjoy an Annual Art Fair
November 21-22, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.: DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge
Visitor Center, Iowa
Take in the Art of the Wild Show & Sale, an annual event featuring artwork,
photography, carvings and more from local artists.

For more information: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/desoto/ or 712-642-2772.

Make Like a Duck
Friday, November 27: White River National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas
Compete in a World Championship Duck-Calling Competition, a ritual part of
the annual Wings Over the Prairie Festival.

For more information: http://www.fws.gov/whiteriver/ or Matt Conner at
870-282-8249.

Hear about the Birding Trip of a Lifetime
Sunday, November 22: Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico
Hear a one hour illustrated talk featuring a local family’s adventures on a
birding trip that spanned North America.

For more information:
http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/newmex/lasvegas/index.html or
505-425-3581 ext. 205.

Celebrate the Holidays on Chesser Island
Saturday, December 12: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia
Celebrate the holiday season at the Chesser Island Homestead with a
hayride, caroling and live music. Discover the region’s traditions as you
tour a swamp homestead decorated with traditional homemade decorations.
Stay warm by the bonfire while enjoying homemade cookies and cider.

For more information: http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee/ or at 912-496-7836.

Take Part in an Eagle Watch
January 8-9, 2010; January 15-16, 2010: Salt Plains National Wildlife
Refuge, Oklahoma
Join visitors for the Annual Eagle Watch. Learn about eagles, then caravan
to an “eagle hotspot” to see eagles fly in to roost for the evening.
Reservations are required. Wear warm-neutral colored clothing. Bring a
thermos or hot mug. Hot chocolate will be provided.

For more information: Contact Becky Wolff at rebecca_wolff@fws.gov or
580-626-4794 ext. 3 or visit
http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/oklahoma/saltplains/.

Enjoy a Wildlife Heritage Festival
Saturday, February 6: St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
The 4th annual Wildlife Heritage and Outdoors Festival aims to connect
people to the outdoors through recreation and history. The event features
more than 30 exhibitors and demonstrations, plus tours and talks.
Children’s activities include wagon tours, a historic lighthouse tour, a
turkey calling contest, and much more.

For more information: Contact Robin Will at robin_will@fws.gov or
850-925-6121 or visit http://www.fws.gov/saintmarks/

Tags:
National Wildlife Refuge System