Plans are underway for the 10th Annual International Migratory Bird Day Celebration which will be held on Mother's Day weekend, May 8 & 9 at the Chincoteague refuge.

A Friday evening campfire program will kick off the celebration. Early Saturday morning, a 5K Run/Walk will be held with the race proceeds donated to the local Boys and Girls Club of America. On Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., a variety of family activities will be offered including building bird houses, bird cookie decorating, and pop-up books, to name a few. Wildlife artists and decoy carvers will be exhibiting their artwork along with local conservation partners to help promote migratory bird conservation. Assateague Lighthouse tours will be conducted from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

This year, refuge staff is planning some awesome programs in our new auditorium. National Park Service's Gretchen Knapp will present a program on gardening for birds on Saturday, and Suzanne Tate, author of children's nature books will do a presentation and book signing on Sunday afternoon.

These are just a few of the exciting things we have planned for the celebration. It's going to be a great weekend, so you won't want to miss it. Come out and join us and take part in celebrating bird migrations! It's your opportunity to introduce others to the wonder of birds and to help ensure that they will always be a part of our future.

Sally Bowden, Park Ranger
CNWR