Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is gearing up for a fall filled with family fun. Saturday, September 14, is the Annual Beach Cleanup in which hundreds of volunteers come out to rid our beaches of unsightly and potentially unsafe trash that washes ashore. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at beach parking lot #2. Volunteers receive a T-shirt for their time and effort. Trash bags and data sheets are provided. Don't forget to bring water, a hat, sun screen, bug spray, and gloves. Enjoy a day at the beach that will prove to be fun and rewarding.

The month of September also celebrates the Weekend of the Islands, September 21. The refuge will have a 7:30 a.m. bird walk, which meets at the sign along Beach Road. A special 1:00 p.m. White Hills Walk is scheduled to introduce visitors to this otherwise closed area. The walk meets outside the refuge visitor center. When night falls, join the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service at the beach for a bonfire program.

October 12 is the annual National Wildlife Refuge Week Celebration. The hub of activity will be under the tent near the lighthouse. Special walks and tours will be offered to celebrate the National Wildlife Refuge System and its mission. Under the tent, families will find activities and information to help them commemorate the day.

Wrapping up the fall schedule is Waterfowl Week in November with special wildlife drives and programs. From November 23 through December 1, the Wildlife Loop will be open to vehicular traffic starting at 9 a.m. Beginning on Thanksgiving Day, November 28 through December 1, the Service Road will be open to vehicular traffic from 12:00 to 3:30. Programs highlighting waterfowl and the National Wildlife Refuge System's goal to protect them will be presented throughout the week.

The long days of summer may be over, but the beauty and excitement of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge never ends. For more information contact the refuge at 757-336-6122 or visit us on the web at http://chlnco.fws.gov

Alison McGuire
Recreation Assistant, CNWR