Wildfest 2009

Saturday, Oct 17, 2009
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

A FREE celebration of wildlife and wildlands in eastern NC.  This family event is loaded with hands-on activities for children. More information will be added when available.

Bird Walks on Pea Island

8:00 am - 9:30 am
January/February/March: Fridays, Sundays
April: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays
May through October: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
November: Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays (except Nov 4/5/6)
December: Fridays, Sundays

Meet at the Visitor Center approximately 3.5 miles south of Oregon Inlet. Come out and meet our summer residents. We welcome all bird enthusiasts on our walks. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll enjoy this casual stroll beside North Pond. Field guides, binoculars, sunscreen, and insect repellent recommended, although some field guides and binoculars will be available for participants.

Turtle Talk on Pea Island

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
June/July/August: Tuesdays

Meet at the Visitor Center approximately 3.5 miles south of Oregon Inlet. What’s the difference between sea turtles and land turtles? Why are sea turtles endangered? What can you do to save these gentle giants? Learn more about the lives of sea turtles with a hands-on activity. Find out about their conservation and how you can be a part of the solution.

What’s Eating You? on Pea Island

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
June/July/August: Wednesdays

Meet at the Visitor Center approximately 3.5 miles south of Oregon Inlet. Who drilled that hole in the clam shell you saw yesterday? Why do some barnacles spend their lives standing on their heads? Can this creature really push its stomach out through its mouth to digest food? Learn the unique habits sea critters use to survive. A short hike across the dunes may be included.

Soundside Adventure on Pea Island

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
June/July/August: Thursdays

Meet at the New Inlet 6 miles south of Oregon Inlet. Discover what lies beneath the water during this hands-on exploration of Pamlico Sound. Why are critters so small on the soundside? What’s that slimy stuff? What is it like to be a crab? Come pull the seine net, and see what we catch! Wading shoes are required; sunscreen and hats recommended for this wet and wild activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Birds and Their Adaptations on Pea Island  

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
June/July/August: Fridays

Meet at the Visitor Center approximately 3.5 miles south of Oregon Inlet. Why do many shorebirds have long legs? How can a duck stay afloat in the water? If you ever wondered about these and other facts about birds, come out and discover the many ways birds adapt to their habitat. You can even create your own bird to take along home.

Who Goes There? at Alligator River

10:00 am - 11:00 am
June/July/August: Tuesdays

Meet at Creef Cut Wildlife Trailhead on US 64, 4 miles west of the 64/264 split on the way to East Lake.  Clues are everywhere, but what does the evidence tell us? Join refuge staff on an investigative trek down Creef Cut Wildlife Trail to discover the variety of species using this trail. Tracks and scat will be identified. Maybe you’ll spot an animal that left the track behind!

Bear Necessities at Alligator River

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm (you'll be back in time for the howling)
June/July/August: Wednesdays

Alligator River Refuge is home to the largest populations of black bear in eastern North Carolina and one of the largest in eastern US!! Learn more about our largest mammal species and what makes this refuge a good home for it. After the presentation, tour the Wildlife Drive on your own to look for bear and other wildlife. Meet at Creef Cut Wildlife Trailhead on US 64, 4 miles west of the 64/264 split on the way to East Lake. For directions or information, call 252-987-2394. Binoculars and insect repellent are recommended.

Purple Martin Madness (Roanoke Island/Mainland Bridge)

July 23 to August 13: Thursdays
(Check the www.purplemartinroost.com for exact times)

The Outer Banks is home to one of the largest Purple
Martin roosts in the eastern U.S. Although this large
roost is not on Alligator River Refuge, refuge lands and
the water systems surrounding it support this spectacular roost of migratory birds. Come see 100,000 martins in flight over Croatan Sound.Learn more about the fascinating lives of these birds and why they roost here. Visit www.purplemartinroost.com to learn more. Co-sponsored by Coastal Carolina Purple Martin Society. Meet at the parking lot at the western end of the old Manns Harbor/ HWY 64 Bridge. Look for the Purple Martin house and kiosk.

Red Wolf Howling Safari at Alligator River

Red Wolf Coalition and Refuge staff offer you the experience of a lifetime! Come and learn about red wolves and participate in a “howling.” The program will occur except with lightning, heavy wind or rain, or impassable road conditions. Decision to cancel will be made no later than 1 1/2 hours before program. Howling Safaris are fee programs and cost $5 per person. Registration is required.

-- see dates and specific information above (1.5 hours).

*Pea Island Pamlico Sound Canoe Tours

9:00 am - 12:00 noon
May through October: Thursdays

(3 hours); $35 per person ($20 for children, 12 years and under). RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Explore the sound side of the Refuge with a marsh side  view. See marsh and shorebirds. Learn about the estuary, the Refuge, and local wildlife and plants. Meet at New Inlet.

*Pea Island Pamlico Sound Family Canoe Tours

10:00 am - 12:00 noon
June/July/August: Wednesdays and Fridays

(2 hours); $25 per person ($15 for children, 12 years and under). RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.
Designed especially for kids and others who want to explore the marshes, islands, and creeks of Pamlico Sound. This tour includes lots of wading and hands-on exploration. $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Alligator River Canoe Tours

9:00 am - 12:00 noon
May: Wednesdays and Fridays
June/July/August: Wednesdays, Thursdays and
Fridays
September/October: Wednesdays
(3 hours); $35 per person ($20 for children, 12 years and under). RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Really get out into the wild! The Milltail Creek Paddling Trails take you deep into the heart of Alligator River Refuge. Paddle the shady blackwater canals; learn about the history of the area; watch and listen for the Refuge’s secretive wildlife. Meet at the south end of Buffalo City Road.