![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
May is American Wetlands Month
2009 American Wetlands Month Events
Stay tuned for events in your area during 2009. EPA will regularly update this page as we become aware of planned events.
Nationwide
May 9 — International Migratory Bird Day
Typically held on the second Saturday in May, International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) is celebrated whenever migratory bird arrival is celebrated in your own community. Interactive maps at the IMBD Web site can help you find an International Migratory Bird Day Festival event near you.
Web site: Bird IQ Explorer's Map
May 12 — National Wetlands Award Ceremony
2009 marks the 20th Anniversary of the National Wetlands Awards program. Since 1989, the program has honored 143 champions of wetlands conservation. The Environmental Law Institute, EPA, and other federal partners will honor a diverse group of individuals for their extraordinary commitment to conserving wetlands at an award ceremony on Capitol Hill.
Web site: National Wetlands Awards
Contact: National Wetlands Awards (wetlandsawards@eli.org), 202-939-3842
May 15 — Write On! Wetlands Challenge
The Write On! Wetlands Challenge creates a book written by kids for kids in honor of American Wetlands Month. Students from across the nation compete to write a wetland story … and the winner is published as a book! Grades 6-8, authors' challenge. Grades K-5, illustrators challenge. Winners announced May 15.
Web site: Environmental Concern; We're All About Wetlands
Contact: Laurie Raines (educate@wetland.org), Environmental Concern, 410-745-9620
May 28 — Watershed Academy Webcast: Wetlands — Reconnecting Youth with Nature
Join us from 1-2:30 PM EDT for this special American Wetlands Month webcast as we explore the unique role wetlands can play in reconnecting young people with nature. Distinguished speakers Richard Louv from the Children & Nature Network, Suzanne Pittenger-Slear from Environmental Concern, and Davon Kenneth Johnson from Earth Conservation Corps will discuss their groups’ efforts to reverse trends that have seen our youth become more distanced from the natural world and have less meaningful experiences with nature. Details can be found at Watershed Academy Webcast Seminars.
Alaska
May 7–10 — Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival
Alaska will experience a special celebration of spring when the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival, the state's largest wildlife festival, kicks off in early May. Festival participants can choose between over 50 different events, from advanced ornithology workshops, beginning backyard birding presentations, field trips and boat tours to arts events and children's activities.
Contact: Christina M Whiting (shorebirdster@gmail.com), Festival Coordinator, 907-235-7740
May 7–10 — Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival
In early May, the tidal flats of the Copper River Delta shimmer with the activity of hundreds of thousands of shorebirds. As many as 5 million shorebirds rest and feed here during spring migration. The Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival provides the ideal opportunity for bird watchers to be part of this epic migration. Many activities, workshops and community events are offered throughout the festival. We invite you to join us in Cordova for the premier birding event of the new millennium.
May 9 — International Migratory Bird Day at Kodiak NWR
Join staff at the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge for a number of activities to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day.
Web site: Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Contact: Tina Shaw (Tina_Shaw@fws.gov), 907-487-2626
May 16 — Birding Festival at Tetlin NWR -Tok
Join us for the 8th annual Upper Tanana Valley Migratory Bird Festival. The day begins with a morning family bird watching trip followed by a bird banding demonstration. In conjunction with this year's theme "Celebrating Birds in Culture", grade school students will be presenting skits, puppet shows and artwork related to the Athabascan culture and cultures around world. As in previous years, there will be the Young Naturalist and Junior Duck Stamp Art Contests. These indoor presentations will be at the Tok Mainstreet Visitor Center. From 1-3 pm, there will be outdoor Family Fun Activities at the adjacent park. Festival activities are aimed at raising the awareness of bird conservation and participation in family outdoor recreation.
Contact: Tetlin Refuge, 907-883-5312
California
May 9, 2009 — Keeping Our Baylands Wet and Wild
The Sierra Club, Loma Prieta Chapter Wetlands Subcommittee and the Redwood Shores Branch of the Redwood City Public Library are extending an invitation to all government agencies, environmental organizations, community groups and individuals with an interest in wetlands issues to help bring the community together in appreciation of our local baylands while educating the public about the importance of wetlands and how they can get involved. They are inviting individuals and groups to participate in the event by being a guest speaker, hosting a video presentation, hosting an information table, guiding a wetlands walk or talk to small groups, or helping us staff the event.
Redwood Shores Library, Redwood City CA. 10am-5pm
Contact: Mike Kerhin (mkerhin@comcast.net), Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter, 510-858-1095
May 9 — International Migratory Bird Day at Stone Lakes NWR
If you'd enjoy a fun, FREE family-oriented day in the country with lively entertainment and up-close and personal views of many wildlife species, mark your calendar and plan to attend Walk on the Wildside on Saturday, May 9, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. near the town of Freeport, California, at the Beach Lake Picnic Area. This fun outdoor celebration of International Migratory Bird Day highlighting local efforts in protecting and restoring native Central Valley habitats and wildlife offers a great opportunity to access normally closed wildlife areas. Be sure to enjoy the special guided tours of restored wetlands, checkout active heron rookeries on the Bufferlands, and spruce-up your garden with a native plant sale hosted by All Things Wild showcasing many local native species that are hard to find!
Web site: Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Contact: Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, 916-775-4420
Colorado
May 2 — Wetlands and Water Critters
Explore the wetlands and then use microscopes to look at the seldom seen aquatic life in the wetlands pond.
Majestic View Nature Center, Arvada, CO. 10 AM
Contact: Paul McIver (mciver.paul@epa.gov), 303-312-6056
May 14–17 — Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding Festival
Spring migrants and early nesters attract birdwatchers from across the nation to the Ute Mountain-Mesa Verde Birding Festival. Keynote Speaker is Bill Schmoker, Bird Photographer and President of Colorado Field Ornithology.
District of Columbia
May 2–3 — Birdfest 2009
Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at the National Zoo and join them in welcoming back the millions of migratory birds that spent the winter in Latin America and the Caribbean. A great variety of fun family activities will be held on Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Web site: Bird Fest
May 3, 10, 17 — Meet the Birds
A walk with a ranger to see the changing of the birds as winter migrators leave and summer ones arrive. Good for all ages. 8:00 am to 9:00 am at the visitor center.
Web site: Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
Contact: Ian Lothian, 202-426-6905
Florida
May 2–3 — Watershed Tent
The Watershed Tent will include fun and relevant information about our natural environment, coordinated by the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center. Free with $5 admission to the Ruskin Tomato and Heritage Festival. At E.G. Simmons County Park from 10 AM – 4 PM.
Web site: Watershed Tent at the Ruskin Tomato Festival
Contact: Dolly Cummings (campbayou@yahoo.com), 813-363-5438
Georgia
May 9 — International Migratory Bird Day at Okefenokee NWR
Join the nation in celebrating and learning about migratory birds. Activities include an early morning bird walk, bird activities for children and adults, exhibits, and a night time Owl Prowl.
Web site: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the Okefenokee Swamp
Contact: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 912-496-7836
Illinois
May 16 — International Migratory Bird Day at Upper Mississippi River NWFR - Savanna District
Come and join us in Celebrating International Migratory Bird Day. Schedule for the day: 7:30 - 8:45 Guided Bird Walk; 9:00 Welcome; 9:15 Beginning Bird Identification; 10:45 Trumpeter Swans; 12:00 What in the world is Geocaching? Lunch is available by the Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge.
Contact: Pam Steinhaus, 815-273-2732 ext 16
Indiana
May 1–3 — Ohio Valley Birding Festival
Join us as we learn about and celebrate birds through workshops, lectures, birding hikes and live bird programs. The highlight of the Festival is Family Day on May 2nd. Bring the kids and experience a day of crafts, games and activities involving birds and birding. A live raptor show, bird banding demo and guided hikes will bring you and your family up close and personal with these fascinating creatures!
Web site: Wesselman Nature Society
Contact: 812-479-0771 ext 102
May 9 — International Migratory Bird Day at Muscatatuck NWR
A "May Day" Bird Count will be conducted by volunteers on Muscatatuck NWR.
Contact: Donna Stanley (Muscatatuck@fws.gov), 812-522-4352
Iowa
May 9 — International Migratory Bird Day at Neal Smith NWR
A celebration of International Migratory Bird Day including a number of activities for families to participate in ranging from bird hikes to creating arts and crafts at our craft station.
Contact: Hallie Rasmussen (hallie_rasmussen@fws.gov), 515-994-3400
Louisiana
May 1–31 — Wetlands Walk, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Explore Louisiana's wetlands on a ranger-guided walk on a preserve trail. Watch for alligators, listen for frog calls, admire the wildflowers, and hear about the people who lived and worked in the area. Daily walks take place from 10 am to 11 am and may be cancelled during special events at the preserve or due to staffing. Stop at the Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, to find out where the day's walk will begin.
Web site: Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Contact: Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 504-589-2330 ext 10
Maine
May 15–17 — Wings, Waves and Woods
Enjoy birding by land, by sea and by art at this island festival celebrating spring and its migrators. Accessible by bridge, Deer Isle offers hundreds of acres of preserves filled with warblers in May. Scheduled activities include guided walks, offshore boat trips to see puffins and pelagics, kayaking to view sea ducks and shore birds. The island's lively art community offers exhibits, demos and studio walk-throughs. A local foods chowder supper will be followed by a presentation by Maine Birding Trail founder, Bob Duchesne, on birding by ear.
Web site: Island Heritage Trust
Maryland
May 2, 9, 17 — Guided Bird Walk
Join an experienced birder for a guided birding tour of Blackwater NWR. Meet at Blackwater Visitor Center at 8 a.m. Bring your binoculars and field guides, and dress appropriately.
Web site: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Contact: Blackwater NWR Visitor Center, 410-228-2677
May 9, 30 — Wonderful Wetlands, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
Freshwater wetlands are home to a variety of fascinating plants and animals. Join a naturalist on a boardwalk tour from 1 – 3 pm to enter the wonderful world of wetlands. For adults and children 5 years and older. Reservations and entrance fees are required for all events.
Web site: Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
Contact: Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary (programs@jugbay.org), 410-741-9330
Massachusetts
May 2, 9, 16 — Walk: Lore of Nauset Marsh, Cape Cod National Seashore
Learn about the rich natural and human history around Nauset Marsh. Learn how each has affected the other through time. Walk goes from 1:30 – 2:30 pm. Meet on the terrace at Salt Pond Visitor Center, Eastham.
Web site: Cape Cod National Seashore
Contact: Salt Pond Visitor Center, 508-255-3421
May 3, 10, 17 — Walk: Province Lands Dunes and Bogs, Cape Cod National Seashore
Explore an enchanting dune landscape of unusual plants and wild cranberry bogs. Discover the hidden story of America's oldest public lands, and how actions by enterprising settlers threatened Provincetown and its renowned harbor. Walk goes from 2:00 – 3:30 pm. Meet at Province Lands Visitor Center, Provincetown.
Web site: Cape Cod National Seashore
Contact: Province Lands Visitor Center, 508-487-1256
Minnesota
May 3 — International Migratory Bird Day at Crane Meadows NWR
Join a guided bird tour of Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) on Sunday, May 3, 2009 starting at 7:00 a.m. at the Platte River Trail trailhead. Visitors will walk along the newly upgraded trail in search of birds. Co-hosting this event, along with the Friends and staff of Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, will be the members of the Morrison Birding Club. The dedication of the trail and a brunch will be served following the bird tour.
Web site: Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Contact: Paul Soler (paul_soler@fws.gov), 320-632-1575
May 9 — International Migratory Bird Day at Sherburne NWR
Celebrate the return of millions of migratory birds to their breeding areas by joining a guided bird tour at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, May 9. The "Songbird Search," enjoyed most by intermediate and experienced birders, begins at 7:00 a.m. and runs until 11:30 a.m. "Birds In The Wetlands," which focuses on beginning birders and families, begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends around 10:30 a.m. Both programs begin at the Old School House on County Road 9.
Contact: Nancy Haugen (nancy_haugen@fws.gov), 763-389-3323 ext 13
May 9 — International Migratory Bird Day at Windom Wetland Management District
Windom WMD is celebrating the eighth annual "Wings on the Prairie" celebration in recognition of International Migratory Bird Day. Activities begin at 6:30 AM with guided bird walks. Other activities for all ages include: wood duck box construction, exploring wetland critters, bingo nature hike, wildlife survival game and Discovery Quest with the Prairie Ecology Bus Center, Mistnetting with Ross Conover, Bruce the "Bug Guy" program and the premier showing of the Federal Junior Duck Stamp exhibit of MN, Trumpeter Swan release with the North Heron Lake Game Producers Association, MN DNR non-game biologist and the MN Zoo, followed by a Bison Burger lunch hosted by Friends of Windom Wetlands.
Web site: Windom Wetland Management District
Contact: Howard A. Paul, 507-831-2220 ext 20
May 14–17 — Birding Festival at Tamarac NWR and Detroit Lakes
Celebrate the spring migration in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota at the 12th annual Festival of Birds! This festival includes bird watching trips to Tamarac, Agassiz, and Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuges. Bird watching trips also take participants into several WPA's of Fergus Falls, Morris and Detroit Lakes Wetland Management Districts. Each trip is guided by several experts in the field. Located in a transition zone of tallgrass prairie, hardwood and deciduous forests, nearly 200 species of birds can be seen. Workshops, exhibitors, and socials complete the weekend birding experience. Renowned photographer and author Richard Crossley is the must-attend keynote on Saturday, May 16.
Contact: Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge (tamarac@fws.gov), 218-847-2641
Mississippi
May 7 — Botanical Stroll through a Wet Pine Savanna
On Thursday, May 7, between the hours of 2 PM and 3:30 PM the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GNDNERR) is hosting a Botanical Stroll through a Wet Pine Savanna lead by the nationally-renown botanist, Dr. Robert Mohlenbrock. Dr. Mohlenbrock has written over 50 books and authored more than 500 publications on plants and serves as a monthly columnist for the journal, Natural History. Pre-registration is required for this event because only 25 spaces are available. For more information or to pre-register call Jennifer Buchanan at (228) 475-7047 or (228) 860-5634 or e-mail her at jen.buchanan@dmr.ms.gov.
Contact: Jennifer Buchanan (jen.buchanan@dmr.ms.gov), 228-860-5634
Nebraska
May 9 — International Migratory Bird Day at Boyer Chute NWR
Discover and learn about birds and migration through a variety of activities.
Web site: Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge
Contact: Boyer Chute NWR (boyerchute@fws.gov), 402-468-4313>
New York
May 9 — International Migratory Bird Day at Wertheim NWR
Free event featuring early morning bird walk, morning and afternoon canoe trips, art and photo workshops. Live bird show and a bird mask and comedy mime show for all ages. Family activities under the tent all day include crafts to be made by the kids such as bird house construction, feeders and bird tracks, along with various local conservation group displays. Face painting and games galore. The outings and workshops require registration.
Web site: Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Contact: Deborah Lofredo (deborah_lofredo@fws.gov), 631-286-0485
Oregon
May 1–3 — Wings and Waves Festival
Celebrate Spring Migration on the Central Oregon Coast: $500 one day bird count contest; Guided Kayak and Birding Tours; Renowned Speakers; Live Raptor Show; Family Hands-On Activities; Live Music; "All Things Birds" Art Exhibit and Sale; Building of world's largest nest; Movie "On the Wing". All for $25/person daily, or $30/person for the weekend (children 16 and under admitted free with accompanying adult).
Web site: Lincoln City Audubon Society
Contact: Lincoln City Cultural Center (info@lincolncityaudubon.com), 541-992-0440
May 16 — Birding Festival at Tualatin River NWR
Celebrate Songbird Festival at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge in Sherwood, Oregon. All ages are invited, rain or shine, for a day of outdoor activities, guided nature walks, hands-on educational crafts for kids, live bird presentations, exhibits, music, food, fun and more. The event and parking are free.
Web site: Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
Contact: Kim Strassburg, 19255 SW Pacific Hwy Sherwood, OR 97140
Pennsylvania
May 1–3 — Third Annual Oil Region Birds and Nature Festival
Designed for birders and nature lovers of all ages and skill levels, this festival features a nature hike on Friday afternoon, an owl prowl on Friday night, guided bird walks on Saturday and Sunday morning, and workshops on Saturday afternoon. "Flock & Mingle" at our reception on Saturday evening, followed by our "Birder's Banquet" with special guest Don Riepe, the Jamaica Bay Guardian.
Contact: Toni, Oil Region Alliance, 814-677-3152 ext 110
May 8–10 — Festival of the Birds
Experience the beauty and bounty of Presque Isle State Park while birding with local experts. Dr. Gene Wilhelm, our guest speaker, will present "Birdwatching: Past, Present and Future." He is the Volunteer Station Master for the International Hawk Watch Program at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. Field trips will begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and workshops at 1:30. Pontoon rides and a moonlight kayak paddle are also scheduled. Programs for children and families will take place on Sunday afternoon at no cost. Pre-registration: $90/weekend and $50/day.
Web site: Presque Isle Audubon Society
Contact: Karen Torney (kmt1515@gmail.com), or Linda Donati (CDBirdz2@aol.com)
Rhode Island
May 9 — International Migratory Bird Day at Ninigret NWR
Join us for a guided bird walk, kayak tour, nature crafts, educational displays, fun scavenger hunts, "make your own trail mix", cool nature films and maybe you will even meet a big blue goose! This celebration showcases how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports migratory birds.
Contact: Chuck Bullington, 401-364-9124 ext 44
Utah
May 14–18 — Great Salt Lake Bird Festival
Come celebrate spring migration at the 11th Annual Great Salt Lake Bird Festival in Farmington, Utah! This festival offers guided field trips to the best birding hot-spots in northern Utah and around the world famous Great Salt Lake. All trips have expert guides. Friday and Saturday programs at the Davis County Event Center include workshops, artists, booths, vendors, and food for people of all ages and birding experience. The annual Dutch oven dinner on Saturday features keynote author and naturalist Scott Weidensaul.
Contact: 801-451-3286
Virginia
May 3 — Huntley Meadows Park Wetlands Awareness Day
Enjoy an afternoon of wetland interpretation, wildlife presentations and a Fun Fair for kids. Bring your friends and family to celebrate the importance of wetlands to wildlife and you. There is a modest fee for some activities. Noon – 3 pm at the Huntley Meadows Visitor Center. Sponsored by FOHMP.
Contact: 703-768-2525.
May 7–9 — Birding Festival at Great Dismal Swamp NWR
Migratory Bird Day Celebration; guided bird walks, refuge tours, photography and birding workshops, family activities.
Web site: Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Contact: Deloras Freeman, 757-986-3705
May 13 — The Plants of the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
Join the Friends of Dyke Marsh and the Virginia Native Plant Society at 7:30 pm at the Huntley Meadows Park Visitor Center, 37 for their quarterly membership meeting a talk on the plants of the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve by Dr. Elizabeth Wells, a botanist from George Washington University. The meeting is free and all are welcome.
Web site: Friends of Dyke Marsh
May 17 — Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve Walk
Join the Audubon Naturalist Society and FODM, rain or shine, for a walk and learn about conservation issues affecting the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. We hope to see wading birds and migrant songbirds. Meet at 8 am at the entrance to the Haul Road. Leaders: Kurt Gaskill and John Bjerke
Web site: Friends of Dyke Marsh
Wisconsin
May 16 — Birding Festival at Trempealeau NWR
A variety of festival activities are planned...special hikes include: guided bird hikes, prairie walks, a birding canoe tour, and an evening owl prowl. Joining us for special presentations are raptor rehabilitators from the University of Minnesota's Raptor Center for two special presentations on the observation deck. A special guest speaker, Preston Thompson, from the Ho-Chunk Nation will share his story behind his name, "Eagle King", and weave together the rich cultural connection to birds and his people. More special guests are still being planned. Some on-going activities include, face painting, an educational exhibit about wingspans, a nature digital photography station, a nature art exhibit and hands-on activity and much more! Displays, bookstore items and tasty "bird-like" snacks will also be available throughout the day. Don't miss this special day just for the birds!
Web site: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
Contact: Jennifer R. Lilla (jennifer_lilla@fws.gov), 608-539-2311 ext 16
May 18 — Celebration and Announcement of Statewide Wetland Gems List
Join WWA for the statewide launch of our new Wetland Gems program, including the announcement of the statewide list of Wetland Gems sites. We'll recognize the landowners of Wetland Gem sites from around the state, announce the full slate of Wetland Gem events scheduled around the state this summer and fall, and hear comments by state, regional, and local elected officials including Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk regarding the importance of wetlands to the people of Wisconsin.
Cherokee Marsh. 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Web site: Wisconsin Wetlands Association
Contact: WWA to register, 608-250-9971
May 21–23 — Celebration of Northeast Region Wetland Gem Sites
Held in conjunction with the Door County Festival of Nature, explore the rich natural history and unparalleled scenic beauty of the Peninsula. The registration includes daytime field trips and evening programs.
Web site: The Ridges Sanctuary
May 30 — Backwater Riverboat Tour of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
This special two-hour riverboat tour will explore a variety of riverine wetland habitats including open backwaters, side channels that border floodplain forests as well as the main channel. We expect to see a significant variety of migrating and nesting birds since the Mississippi River Flyway is one of the most noteworthy bird migration flyways in the world and these tours occur during peak fall migration for many species of birds. And riverside trees will be approaching peak fall color, so it will be a beautiful morning on the River. Tours will be on board a Coast Guard inspected vessel with a licensed pilot. Tour goes from 10 am – 12 pm and leaves from Prairie du Chien. Registration fees: $25—Member/ $32—Non-member/ $17—12 & Under.
Web site: Backwater Riverboat Tour of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
Contact: 608-250-9971