National Wildlife Refuge Week
National Wildlife Refuge Week
The National Wildlife Refuge System is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and provides vital habitat for thousands of native species. To celebrate their mission and our joint heritage, National Wildlife Refuge Week is observed the second full week of October each year. This year, National Wildlife Refuge Week occurs October 10-17.
The Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1996 as part of the Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The refuge was created to help preserve the critical ecosystems along the Rappahannock River and the wetlands, streams, and upland areas in its watershed. As such, it conserves and protects fish and wildlife resources such as the bald eagle, threatened and endangered species for generations to come.
Refuge Week Events
- Oct 10th – Warsaw Fest
Come visit us at the Freind’s tent. We will have information about the Refuge and hands on displays. - Oct 11th – Big Sit at Fones Cliffs Cancelled due to weather
The Big Sit is a world-wide birding event. Refuge staff will host a circle at Fones Cliffs. The Friends group will have an information tent for visitors.
When: 8 AM to 7:30 PM. (come whenever you want to and stay as long as you can)
Requirements: The event is open to all. No problem if you are new to birding. There will be plenty of people to help you.
The Early Morning Limited Space Session
When: 6 AM to 8:00 AM. This part of The Big sit requires silence so we are limiting the number of people and requiring reservations. Contact Allie Hunter at: Susan_A_Hunter@fws.gov to sign-up.- Oct 14th – Guided paddle on Cat Point Creek 2PM
Join us for a special guided paddle on beautiful Cat Point Creek. Registration has a special fee and includes kayak, paddle, life vest. Pre-registration is required and can be found at this link to Menokin scheduling.. - Oct 17th – Pontoon boat tours at Hutchinson Unit 9AM and 3:30 PM
Join us on the water as we focus on birding in the morning and nature/marshland ecology in the afternoon. Guided tours will depart from the fishing pier of the Hutchinson Unit. Spaces are limited and pre-registration is required and is on the Event Registration page
- Oct 14th – Guided paddle on Cat Point Creek 2PM
Upcoming Events
Oct.6th Boots and BBQ sponsored by the Northern Neck Land Conservancy
Oct.10th – 17th Refuge Week
Oct.10th Warsaw Fest
Oct.11th Big Sit at Fones Cliffs
Oct 14th Guided paddle on Cat Point Creek
Oct 17th – Pontoon boat tours at Hutchinson Unit
Rappahannock Wildlife Refuge Friends
P.O. Box 1565
Warsaw, VA 22572-1565
Contact@RWRFriends.org