As part of the National Wildlife Refuge
Week celebration, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is hosting an “Open House”
at the Refuge Visitor Center located on Hwy. 67 south, Decatur on Saturday October 11th from 9am-5pm.
Come out and bring the kids for a day of
outdoor activities. You can fish, learn
the basics of archery, target shoot with air rifles, explore the corn maze, join
in a bird count, take a tethered ride in a hot air balloon, learn about raptors
and see them up close, watch a master flint knapper at work, and take in a
nature flick in the auditorium. Ranger
Kevin will be available at the catfish pond from 9 till 2 helping anyone age 5
to 12 catch the big one. Children must
be accompanied by an adult. You can
bring your own pole or use one of ours.
We even supply the bait. The
Alabama Department of Conservation and Wheeler staff will be available
throughout the day instructing anyone in the fun and popular activity of archery. The Alabama Chapter of the National Wild
Turkey Federation will be available with their popular “Jakes Take Aim”
shooting simulator for ages 5 to 17.
Children can explore the corn maze and learn the importance of farming
for wildlife, then learn to shell the corn the old fashion way. The Decatur Hot Air Balloon will be onsite
offering tethered rides and Becky Collier from the Alabama 4H Center will be
presenting Raptor Trek! featuring owls, hawks, and a bald eagle at 9am, noon,
and 3pm. Tim Baker will be on hand demonstrating the art of flint knapping. Food and drinks will be available for
purchase.
Visitors can also join Refuge Manager
Dwight Cooley at the Observation Building in “The Big Sit!” This annual, international, noncompetitive
all day event is a great introduction to birding. Award winning conservation films, including a
series of short films, America’s Wildest
Places, featuring video tours of National Wildlife Refuges, will also be
shown. Please call the Visitor Center at
256-350-6639 for a complete list of films and viewing times.
National Wildlife Refuges are dedicated to
the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats. They also offer a wide range of
wildlife-dependent recreation – from fishing, boating, hunting and hiking – to
wildlife observation and photography, nature interpretation and environmental
education. The Refuge System includes
more than 2,500 miles of land and water trails.
There is at least one National Wildlife Refuge in every state and one
within an hour’s drive of most major cities.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge offers
wildlife, environmental, and outdoor activities throughout the year. All activities are free and the public is
welcome. Please visit the Wheeler NWR
website at www.fws.gov/wheeler
for more information or call the Visitor Center at 256-350-6639. The Visitor Center is open daily from 9 am to
5 pm.
