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HOME » Things to do » Outdoor Adventures at the Refuge
Outdoor Adventures at the Refuge
The Friends of the Potomac River Refuges is excited to announce the creation of a new monthly learning initiative, "Outdoor Adventures at the Refuge". The program is made possible through the award of a $10,000 Nature of Learning Grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
Come learn about, explore, and investigate the natural treasure that is right in your community!
Participants will gain hands-on knowledge of native flora and fauna, exploring the natural world on the grounds of the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge (OBNWR). Kids attending four or more programs will receive a reconnection patch acknowledging their participation. Also, thanks to a partnership between OBNWR and Prince William County Schools, teachers participating in four or more workshop sessions throughout the year will receive professional development recertification points.
"Outdoor Adventures at the Refuge" will be held from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month at the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge beginning March 7, 2009. If the first Saturday is a holiday, the program will be held on the second Saturday.
The programs are open to all ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult. For each session, participants will be provided with a backpack that has the equipment and supplies they will need for that workshop’s activities.
Space is limited for the programs, so please register early! Registration will begin one month prior to the program, at which time you will be able to register. For additional information about the program or if you have a large group that would like to attend, please contact Joy Greene at outdoors@foprr.org
The following is a list and general description of the programs that will be presented:
Past activities:
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ACTIVITY |
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LOCATION |
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Saturday,
April 10, 2010
10am - 11:30am
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Web of Life
Come explore the Refuge and discover the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers in the ecosystem. See how life forms are interconnected and dependent on each other.
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Occoquan Bay NWR
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Saturday,
March 6, 2010
10am - 11:30am
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What's in Your Water?
Clean water is vital for the ecosystem. Using probe ware and test kits, come discover what the water quality is at selected locations within the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
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Occoquan Bay NWR
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Saturday,
February 6, 2010
10am - 11:30am
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Tracking Down Nature
You might be surprised at how many different creatures live right in your own community. On this adventure you'll investigate the clues that animals leave behind including tracks and scat. What you discover may surprise you!
Please note: Due to excessive snow, this program has been postponed until later this Spring, date/time TBD.
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Occoquan Bay NWR
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Saturday,
March 7, 2009
10am - 11:30am |
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Basics of Birding
Local experts will help kids discover the variety of fine feathered friends that populate the Refuge. Guides will teach the basics of birding using binoculars and field guides. Participants will discover other opportunities for birding that exist on the Refuge Complex.
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Occoquan Bay NWR
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Saturday,
April 4, 2009
10am - 11:30am
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Where's Your Spine?
Dip nets and viewers will be used to discover the many macro-invertebrates that inhabit streams at the Refuge. Educators from Adopt a Stream will be on hand to help identify critters and explain how their presence is used to help monitor water quality.
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Occoquan Bay NWR
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Saturday,
May 2, 2009
10am - 11:30am
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Bird Banding
Trained Refuge volunteers will demonstrate how birds at the Refuge are banded. Participants will get to see how the Refuge is a site where real scientific investigations take place.
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Occoquan Bay NWR
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Saturday,
June 6, 2009
10am - 11:30am
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Green Planet Walk
Come discover the many species of plants that grow in your community. Master gardeners will lead this enlightening expedition.
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Occoquan Bay NWR
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Saturday,
July 11, 2009
10am - 11:30am
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Wildlife Safari
Join us for a wild safari; you will be amazed at what you encounter! Local experts will help you learn about the creatures you discover.
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Occoquan Bay NWR
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Saturday,
August 1, 2009
10am - 11:30am
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Alien Invaders
Come discover what aliens are lurking in Virginia's habitats. Park Rangers will help visitors explore forests, ponds, and wetlands to investigate these alien invaders.
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Occoquan Bay NWR
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Saturday,
September 12, 2009
10am - 11:30am
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Monarch Mania
Come witness the spectacular monarch butterfly as it travels through Virginia on its journey south to Mexico. Discover how vital plant species that inhabit the Refuge are to this species continued survival. A scientist that tags and collects data on monarchs will be available to answer questions about this amazing species.
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Occoquan Bay NWR
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Saturday,
October 3, 2009
10am - 11:30am
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Outdoor Education 101
Do you want to get outside but don't know where to go? Come join us for a fun filled adventure as science specialists from Prince William County Schools demonstrate activities that are sure to captivate learners of all ages.
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Occoquan Bay NWR
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Saturday,
November 7, 2009
10am - 11:30am
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Watershed Clean Up
This is an excellent opportunity to make a difference in your community. Come help collect trash and debris that is found in the Refuge. Learn how every person can make a positive difference in the environment.
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Occoquan Bay NWR
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