Fall Wildlife Festival success

More than 700 residents of Prince William and surrounding counties converged on Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge on Oct. 11 for the fifth annual Fall Wildlife Festival. This celebration of local
wildlife is sponsored by the Friends of Potomac River Refuges working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but it is supported by countless volunteers, teachers and children, as well as a number of
local businesses and elected officials.

Among this year’s supporters are Supervisors Frank Principi and Mike May, Virginia Delegate Paul Nichols, as well as local businesses such as Hardwood Artisans, the Wild Bird Center, Driven
Graphics, Eagle Optics, Osprey’s Landing Golf Course, Dixie Bones and Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative. Photographer Bill Wallen, artist Rosemary Luckett and many conservation groups also
donated time and talent.  All are members of our community who understand the importance not only of our national wildlife refuges, but of public support for them. They understand that the future of
wildlife conservation is in the hands of citizens, especially young people who will carry our conservation legacy into the future.

Nationwide, more than 220 Friends Groups support 547 national wildlife refuges, yet many people cannot name the wildlife refuge in their own community. We are thrilled so many local supporters have
helped us increase awareness of and support for our unique refuges here in the Woodbridge/Lorton area. These include the Occoquan Bay, Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck and Featherstone National
Wildlife Refuges.  This is our special thanks to all who contributed and all who participated. 

ANNETTE BAKER-TOOLE

Woodbridge

President, Friends of the Potomac River Refuges