Springville, Tenn.–Saturday, May 9th, the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge in Springville will be celebrating World Migratory Bird Day and Endangered Species Day by hosting our Refuge Spring Festival! For this event, they will be working with partners at Land Between the Lakes, Quail Forever, Ecological Services, and many more to bring you a wide range of information and activities.
This free event will be from 10 am – 2 pm at the Refuge Visitor Center located at 1371 Wildlife Drive in Springville, TN, with fun, family friendly activities for all ages!
World Migratory Bird Day is a global event dedicated to raising public awareness for 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 wandering winged wonders requires communities 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.
National Endangered Species Day is celebrated as an opportunity to learn more about endangered species and how we can help protect them. It is officially celebrated on the third Friday in May and brings awareness to the many different endangered species, what led to them becoming endangered, and what is being done to help.
The refuge partners with several local wildlife and conservation-based agencies who are bringing educational and fun activities for participants. Some of these agencies and activities include:
- The Tennessee NWR will have wildlife-based games, birdy arts and crafts, Build a Bluebird Box Station (kits $10) and more!
- Tennessee Ecological Services will have information on endangered species in Tennessee and what you can do to help them.
- Land Between the Lakes Nature Station will bring a live raptor so you can get a closer look at these skilled hunters.
- The Friends of Tennessee NWR will have LOTS of freebie giveaways connected to birds.
- The Kentucky Lake Beekeepers Association will give you a chance to see some of our pollinators up close.
- Quail Forever will have additional information and games about pollinators.
The Friends of the Tennessee NWR will be selling grilled hotdog lunches for $5.00 and 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 9th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and come celebrate this beautiful spring weather and our migratory birds! For questions about this event, please contact the Refuge headquarters’ office by calling 731-642-2091. For more information about World Migratory Bird Day and what you can do to help birds, see https://www.migratorybirdday.org/. For additional information about National Endangered Species Day, go to https://www.endangered.org/campaigns/endangered-species-day/.
Photo: Spring Festival 2025.