Thanks to everyone who visited the Educational & Administrative Center, purchased an item from our sales area, took a wildlife bus tour, or visited the Assateague Lighthouse and gift shop. You made this a highly successful year for the CNHA.

Although the Center is open year around, the bus tours have ended for this season, but will resume in March. However, group tours are available by request. The bus tour interpreters are beginning their training updates for the coming year in order to provide exceptional educational information for visitors along with a "fun" wildlife tour. Anyone who wishes to be a volunteer interpreter may call CNWR (757-336-6122) or CNHA (757-336-3696) for an application and more information.

The sales area at the visitor center provides many educational books on wildlife and unique, refuge related gifts. Gift certificates are available year around and may be used for bus tours, lighthouse tours or merchandise from both gift shops. Merchandise, gift certificates or tour tickets can also be purchased by mail or phone order. Advance reservations for tours can be made up to a year in advance to ensure availability that matches your visitation plans.

Our lighthouse tours ended on Thanksgiving weekend with a unique event, a marriage proposal at the top of the lighthouse. The proposal was accepted, according to the happy couple. Visitation since the opening of the lighthouse (July 2, 2004) exceeded 10,000 visitors, all of whom climbed to the top. The tours will resume in March with an anticipated opening on Easter weekend. We also offer group tours by advance request. Anyone who wishes to be a volunteer guide may call the Chincoteague Refuge or CNHA for an application and more information.

Don't forget to visit the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge. CNHA is also this refuge's partnering volunteer association. Many educational activities and unique volunteer opportunities are available. For hours of operation and further information call (757-331-2760) or stop by the visitor center and gift shop.

Lynn Talbot, CNHA Business Manager