Mark your calendars! The Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center Grand Opening is scheduled for October 24th and 25th. The event will commence with a VIP reception on Friday night. Saturday will be the official ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a "Taste of Chincoteague" brunch, auditorium programs, exhibit tours, and live music. Saturday's events will be open to the public and free.

"For more than three decades, our visitors, our community, and our staff have awaited this grand day," said Schroer. "Now, after all of the hard work, dedication, and planning, we will be able to witness the results of years of community partnerships, outreach, and most importantly, vision."

Currently, Design and Production, Inc., the exhibit fabrication firm, is completing installation of the exhibits. Following installation, the firm's technical gurus will be instructing Visitor Services Staff on the fine details of operating this state-of-the-art facility which includes: 125-seat auditorium, classroom/wet lab, teacher resource room, and 5,000 square feet of exhibits.

"The staff is excited about planning this event," said Schroer. "We have been working with the Chincoteague Natural History Association (CNHA), our main sponsor, to conduct one of the Eastern Shore's biggest events of the fall." CNHA and refuge staff are collaborating to market the grand opening through electronic and print media. "Stay tuned, you will be hearing much more about the event on local TV and radio stations," added Schroer.

For more information, you may contact the refuge at: (757) 336-6122