Parker River National Wildlife Refuge 15th Annual Wildlife Festival, Saturday, Oct. 11th

October 9, 2008

When: Saturday, October 11th, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport

The Parker River National Wildlife Refugeis one of the many natural treasures of the Greater Newburyport region and Essex County. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit and explore this natural treasure, you should definitely make a point to check it out.

On Saturday, October 11th, the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is hosting the 15th Annual Wildlife Festival from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. This is a family fun event with activities for the entire family. All activities are FREE and open to all ages.

Activities and events include the following:

Fun Kids Crafts and Activities

“Explore the Ocean World” Live Animal Touch Tank
“Curious Creatures” Live Animal Show
Kid-Friendly Musical Performances by Sue and April Grant

Scheduled Activities:

9:00 am to 11:00 am: Bird Banding Demonstration (Park at Sub-headquarters)
Visit the Refuge Bird Banding Station! Normally closed to the public, take a walk to the Bird Banding Station, run by Mass Audubon Joppa Flats, and learn about the history and importance of bird banding while watching banders’ work up close.
8:00 to 11:00 am: Kayak Tour of the Refuge (Meet at Parking Lot 1)
Join Assistant Refuge Manager Frank Drauszewski on a kayak tour of the refuge. Get a close up view of the Great Marsh, and the wildlife and plants that call it home. Bring your own Kayak (or Canoe!).
1:00 to 3:00 pm: Hellcat Habitat Hike:
Join ranger Jean Adams on a tour through the various habitats of the island on our Marsh and Dune Loop Trails. Learn about the unique adaptations of barrier island plants and animals, and get a breathtaking panoramic view of the refuge from the top of a 50 foot dune.

For more information call the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge at 978-465-5753.