spring into nature

You're invited to Spring Into Nature May 1 at Iroquois refuge: 'Sing, Fly, Soar -- Like a Bird'

By Press Release
Mar 12, 2021, 1:16pm

Press release:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is hosting its annual Spring Into Nature celebration on Saturday, May 1, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., and 1 to 4 p.m.

Join us for a pared-down and coronavirus pandemic-friendly version of our annual spring festival. This year’s theme will be "Sing, Fly, Soar -- Like a Bird."

Visitors will get to participate in a variety of nature-related activities. There will be activities for all ages, including sunflower seed feeder construction, track casting, a guided hike, pollinator planting, fisheries discoveries, origami, sun art projects, feather ID, and archery and fishing games. You must register to participate.

Space is limited, so to secure your spot, please register online here.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is located at 1101 Casey Road in Basom.

There are two sessions, morning and afternoon. Each session will be broken into groups of 10 and each group will cycle through all activities. Social distancing will be maintained throughout. Masks are required when in buildings or when social distancing cannot be maintained. Parking and all activities are free!

Wearing a mask is required in federal buildings. Masks are also required outdoors on federal lands when social distancing cannot be maintained. As the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service safely restores public access to lands and facilities, please continue to follow CDC safe practices by maintaining social distancing and limiting group size, washing your hands, and staying home if you feel sick.

Please find us on Facebook @IroquoisNationalWildlifeRefuge, visit our website, or contact Refuge staff at (585) 948-5445 for more information about Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

Iroquois NWR is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester, and is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Individuals with disabilities and any other person who may need special assistance to participate in this program should contact the Refuge at (585) 948-5445 or at the Federal Relay No. 1-800-877- 8339.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Spring into Nature connected lots of people to nature and conservation at the Iroquois wildlife refuge

By Virginia Kropf
May 4, 2019, 2:54pm

Above, ladies from the Alabama-Basom Methodist Church held a bake sale at the Spring Into Nature event. From left are Gladys Phillips, Janice Snyder, Marian Green and Phyllis Brooks.

Chilly, damp weather didn’t deter conservation enthusiasts who attended the 35^th annual Spring Into Nature event at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama last Saturday.

Nearly three dozen organizations that participated were spread throughout the refuge’s shops, the Visitors’ Center on Casey Road and outside. Visitors came from across Western New York for the yearly heralding of springtime.

The purpose of the event is to connect people with nature and conservation, said Wildlife Refuge Specialist Kate Brenner.

Spring Into Nature 2019 was dedicated to Robert Schmidt, a volunteer for more than 20 years on the refuge, which primarily serves as a nesting, feeding, resting and staging area for migratory waterfowl. It is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wlidlife Service.

There was plenty of food to purchase; and numerous activities, presentations and demonstrations geared to every age took place during the day. These included a bald eagle watch, archery, and more.

Alabama volunteer firemen brought a fire truck and visitors were encouraged to thank a firefighter for their service.

Among the activities for children was building a toad abode, making pinecone bird feeders, face painting and animal origami (the art of Japanese paper folding).

For the Alabama-Basom Methodist Church, the day provided the opportunity to earn money to benefit the church. Nearly every year the event has taken place, the church has had a bake sale there. They offer everything from pies, cookies and cupcakes to muffin bread.

Marion Green, who will be 85 this summer, has been going to the church since she was 2. She proudly held up one of the muffin breads she made for the sale.

Money made from the bake sale goes toward putting county water in the church, Green said.

To learn more about Iroquois National Wlidlife Refuge, click here.

Photos by Virginia Kropf.

Below, 10-year-old Melissa Outten, of Gasport, shows off the toad abode she made during Spring Into Nature. Behind her is a muskrat den, which is one of the displays in the Visitors’ Center.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge hosts 35th annual Spring Into Nature event April 27

By Billie Owens
Mar 14, 2019, 3:46pm

Press release:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Alabama is hosting its 35^thannual Spring Into Nature celebration from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 27.

This year we welcome back spring with the theme -- Little Critters Mean a Lot! Join us for a variety of nature-related exhibits, crafts, fishing demos, and games for the kids.

There will be activities for all ages including toad abode construction, wildlife silhouette painting, pinecone feeder creation, live birds of prey, archery games, and face painting. We are also celebrating the grand opening of our new trail! Don’t forget to meet Puddles, the blue goose mascot of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Food will be available for purchase. Parking and all activities are free.

Please visit our website here or contact Refuge staff at 585.948.5445 for more information about Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

Iroquois NWR is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester and is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Individuals with disabilities and any other person who may need special assistance to participate in this program should contact the Refuge at (585) 948-5445 or at the Federal Relay No. 1-800-877-8339.

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