Public Program by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

This program is offered FREE to the public by a dedicated and skilled group of volunteers, U.S. Fish & Wildlife staff and local community resources in an effort to increase your enjoyment of the conservation, protection and enhancement of your National Wildlife Refuges in Rhode Island.

The National Wildlife Refuge system story began in 1903 when President Theordore Roosevelt learned that brown pelican and white egrets living on the tiny Pelican Island on Florida’s east coast were being slaughtered for their feather. Taking action to protect the birds and their habitat, Rooosevelt issued an executive order establishing Pelican Island as the first national wildlife refuge. Hundred and six years later there are over 545 refuges and over 98 million acre network of lands and waters protecting many of America’s – and the world’s – most unique natural areas as habitat for an amazing variety of wildlife.

As the refuge system prepares to celebrate its anniversary, refuges from Maine to Hawaii and Alaska to the Caribbean are gearing up to offer special events. Here in Rhode Island, staff and volunteers are hosting the 106th Annivesary Celebration at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. The keynote speaker and featured photographer is David Farmer, Ocean Scientist and Dean of the Graduate School of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island, in his premier Aquidneck Island showing of his wildlife photography. His scientific activities have taken him to many parts of the world, including the Arctic, Antarctic, Far East, South Africa, Australia and around North and South America providing him many interesting photographic opportunities. He is intrigued by all aspects of nature and ecology, and his photography reflects a deep respect and affection for wildlife in all its forms and personalities, especially here in Rhode Island.

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10:00 AM Welcome and coffee
10:30-11:30 AM David Farmer, Keynote Speaker, Ocean Scientist and Dean of the Graduate School of Oceanography of URI
Noon-2 PM Guided Nature Walk in search of seals, harlequins and other wintering wildlife.

Throughout the day: Meet David Farmer nature photographer and ocean scientist; Demonstrations of wool carding and spinning by RI Spinning Guild (recalling a bygone era when sheep grazed Sachuest Point); children’s crafts and more.

Saturday, March 28, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown.