As the year winds down, and the seasons begin to change on the Refuge, it's a great time to look back on the summer past, with gratitude for all the Refuge Staff and volunteers who made it such a success.

The year began with a truly wonderful International Migratory Bird Day Celebration. It was inspiring to see the Refuge volunteers working with children on various crafts and sharing the love of the outdoors. The weather was perfect and Refuge Staff worked from dawn to dusk to make sure this was a celebration to remember.

June saw the Refuge hosting the first "Children in the Woods" camp, attended by children from our area, who spend the week tasting the delights of nature. Campers engaged in all types of outdoor activities, such as biking, hiking, crabbing, fishing and photography.

Throughout the summer, Refuge staff and volunteers worked to provide a full schedule of special talks, walks, and presentation about the wonders of our Refuge. In August, the "Sense of Wonder" play brought to life the work of Rachel Carson in a stunning rendition of her conservationist legacy

In October, the National Wildlife Refuge Week Celebration was another triumph of teamwork, as visitors enjoyed another great day with a rock wall for climbing, special presentations, and activities. Followed the next day by the 140th Assateague Lighthouse Recognition Day, planned and hosted by CNHA volunteers, this weekend was a combination that was hard to beat.

During this season of thanksgiving, we at the Chincoteague Natural History Association would like to extend our deepest respect and gratitude to all who support the mission and goals of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge-the dedicated Refuge Staff and volunteers, daily defining the meaning of teamwork, the staff at the CNHA, and to our members, who help make support available for Refuge educational programs and events. Have a wonderful Holiday Season!

Cheers! Beth