May 27th, 2017 - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
This year will be the 14th annual event! - Horseshoe Crab-Shorebird Festival - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. In partnership with the Milton Chamber of Commerce, this festival celebrates horseshoe crabs, shorebirds, and other natural resources while encouraging citizen awareness and participation in wildlife-dependent recreation. This family friendly, eco-friendly festival stretches from Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge to the Historic center of the town of Milton. The focus of this festival is on our natural bounty and wildlife, the resources found in our area and the hope of awakening and strengthening our appreciation of our environment. The Festival offers many choices from art to science and nature education to family festival fun. Activities occur at the Milton Municipal Park and Prime Hook NWR each will be offering choices from art to science and nature education. Milton Municipal Park will have a tent with exhibits from environmental organizations. Prime Hook NWR will feature opportunities for visitors to get outside and connect with nature including guided nature hikes, videos, birding trips, horseshoe crab touch tank, and more. Here is a schedule of the day's events:
10:30am to 11:30am
GUIDED CANOE TRIPS ON FLEETWOOD POND
Explore the ecology of Fleetwood Pond. Pre-registration is recommended for each trip due to limited canoes. To pre-register, call the Refuge at (302) 684-8419. Standbys are welcome if there are openings. Helpful to be experienced and healthy as the trip is over 1 mile long. Children must be with at least one adult. Each trip is limited to 12 canoes. Borrow one of the ten on loan, or bring your own canoe or kayak.
10am, 10:30am, 11am, 11:30am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 2:30pm , 3pm
“FEAST ON THE BEACH” The Delaware Bay Horseshoe Crab Connection – Refuge Auditorium
Learn about the life history and ecological importance of the horseshoe crab.
10am to 4pm
BUILDING BLUE BIRD NEST-BOXES– Pavilion Across From Refuge Office
Build a bird feeder and then take it home so you can watch birds in your yard.
10am to 4pm
HORSESHOE CRAB TOUCH TANK – Refuge Auditorium
Led by an interpreter, participants have the opportunity to touch horseshoe crabs and other critters! Discover interesting facts about these ancient mariners and learn why they are so important in the Delaware Bay Estuary.
10am to 4pm
NATIVE PLANTS FOR POLLINATORS – Next to Refuge Office
Learn about native plants and how to enhance or create pollinator habitat, guests visiting this station will receive a free native plant while supplies last.
10am to 11am, and 1pm to 2pm
BIRDING FIELD TRIP– Meet at Refuge Office
Led by volunteer birding guides, beginner and experienced bird watchers will enjoy observing and learning about the bird species frequenting the refuge at this time of year. Come prepared for the weather and expect to walk up to a mile. Bring your binoculars, a field guide, and spotting scope (the leader will have spotting scopes also). Binoculars will be available to borrow. Meet at the refuge office. Trips are free and open to the public. To pre-register, call the Refuge at (302) 684-8419.
12:00 to 1:00
GUIDED PLANT WALK – Meet at Fleetwood Pond Trailhead
Led by a volunteer interpreter, beginner and experienced nature enthusiasts will enjoy observing and learning about plants and other species frequenting the refuge at this time of year. Come prepared for the weather. Meet at the refuge office. Trips are free and open to the public. To pre-register, call the Refuge at (302) 684-8419.