Join the Back Bay Refuge in Celebratinig 75 Years

BACK BAY REFUGE TO CELEBRATE 75TH ANNIVERSARY

On Saturday, June 8th, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and its partners will celebrate the establishment of the Refuge by presidential proclamation in 1938. From the original 4,600 acre boundary, the Refuge now comprises more than 9,200 acres of protected, sensitive wetlands and other habitat that provides resting and feeding for migratory and resident birds alike.
To commemorate the Refuge’s 75 year legacy in support of wildlife conservation, the public is invited to participate in a variety of events on this special day. It will start with an early morning bird walk, followed by a 9:00 a.m. opening ceremony, with Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms proclaiming it as “Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Day” in the city.

The celebration continues with a “Walk for Wildlife,” with visitors invited to hike the Refuge impoundment area, stopping at stations to learn about the Refuge’s history, decade by decade. Also highlighting the day will be the original artwork from the 2013 Federal Duck Stamp competition. Refuge partners will be on hand with outdoor exhibit booths and information tables. Visitors can also participate in free kayaking and surf fishing lessons. An 11:00 a.m. sea turtle release on the Refuge beachfront will provide an apex to the morning’s events, with a free afternoon tram tour through the Refuge to False Cape State Park to follow. The Refuge entrance fee is also being waived for all visitors to the Refuge on this special day.
For further information on the 75th anniversary celebration, or other programs and events, please contact Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge at 757-301-7329, or refer to the Refuge website at http://backbay.fws.gov.