Saturday, May 11th will be World Migratory Bird Day and to celebrate, the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is pulling out all the stops to host an event called the “Refuge Spring Festival”. This large event will be from 10 am – 2 pm at the Refuge Visitor Center located at 1371 Wildlife Drive in Springville, TN.
“The Refuge Spring Festival is going to be a hoot” punned ranger Madison Holmes “the day will be full of fun, family friendly activities for all ages….and it is FREE!”
The goal of World Migratory Bird Day, a global event is to raise public awareness dedicated to the conservation of migratory bird species. Because about 75 % of birds in North America migrate across the nation, or across nation(s) depending on the species, conserving these little guys requires folks to be aware of their needs and be willing to help them out by protecting their habitats and limiting those human activities that can cause them harm.
The refuge is partnering with a long list of local wildlife and conservation-based agencies who are bringing educational, but fun activities for participants. Here is a list of some of the activities:
- Land Between the Lakes Nature Station – will bring live raptors so you can get a closer look at these skilled hunters.
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will have their mobile wildlife museum for families to step inside and check out as well as an inflatable archery booth for young children.
- Tennessee Valley Authority will be pulling water samples from our very own Kentucky Lake for water quality testing.
- Paris Landing State Park will provide several snakes, and turtles for a closer inspection.
- UT Martin Wildlife Society will have wildlife games, activities such as Pollinator Bingo and the Big Pollinator Wheel of Fortune as well as lots of show and tell items.
- The Tennessee NWR will have an archery range open for all ages, The Great Migration Adventure Game, birdy arts and crafts, Build a Bluebird Box Station (kits $10) and more!
- The Friends of Tennessee NWR will have LOTS of freebie giveaways connected to birds
- National Guard 212th Engineer Company – goofy go carts, large dartboard, arm wrestling station, and other blow-up games.
- Civil Air Patrol – soda bottle rocket station.
The Friends of the Tennessee NWR will be selling grilled hotdog lunches for $5.00 and also selling baked goods for $1.00. All proceeds and donations from the day go to support the refuge’s environmental education program.
So, mark your calendars for the Refuge’s Spring Festival on May 11th from 10 AM to 2 PM and come celebrate this beautiful spring weather and our migratory birds! For questions about this event, please contact the refuge headquarters’ office at 731-642-2091. For more information about World Migratory Bird Day and what you can do to help birds, see https://www.migratorybirdday.