Mark your calendar for the weekend of May 13th & 14th. A host of activities is being planned at both ends of Virginia's Eastern Shore to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day. Both the Eastern Shore of Virginia and Chincoteague refuges have a number of varied activities designed to appeal to all ages.

The Eastern Shore NWR has a full day of events planned for Saturday, May 13. In addition to canoe and kayak trips, bird walks, Fisherman Island tours, live animals, and workshops, there will be a number of other children and family activities.

Highlighting the celebration is the annual Nature and Wildlife Art Show where artists and craftsmen will be displaying and selling original works. The application deadline for exhibitors is April 26. Exhibitors are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is a non-refundable $10 permit fee. Contact the Refuge Office or Visitors Center at 757-331-2760 or 757-331-3425, respectively, for more information or an application.

The Chincoteague NWR celebration kicks-off on Friday evening, May 12, with a reception and slide/music presentation, and continues with a full day of activities on Saturday and Sunday. See the article "Interpretive Activities" on page 8 for a summary of the events planned for each day of the celebration.