Weekend events at NSNWR

Refuge Photo Exhibit Open House

Visit the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday to see the winners of the third Annual Refuge Photo Contest. The winning entry for 2018 was taken by Kristie Burns from Windsor Heights. Light refreshments will be available. The exhibit will be on display through Dec. 31.

A 2019 calendar highlighting the first and second place winners is now for sale in the Prairie Point Nature Store.

​​Junior Naturalist Program Sunday

If you were an animal, where would you live? Explore this question and more from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Children ages 6-10 are invited to bring their favorite adult and join a refuge naturalist as they examine how different animals build homes and what they need to survive. Hike the Refuge, search for hidden homes and put yourself in an animal’s shoes as you try to find your own home on the refuge.

Junior Naturalist programs are educational experiences that are designed for young learners. Programs focus on engaging children in the outdoors by using hands-on and interactive activities.

To register or if you have questions, contact Doreen Van Ryswyk at 515-994-3400 or at Doreen_vanryswyk@fws.gov.

​November Photo Hike

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge will host the November Photo Hike from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday. This program is free and open to the public. Participants will meet at the Prairie Learning Center at 3:20 p.m. sharp before leaving for a specified area on the Refuge.

Amateur and professional photographers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Bring your camera equipment, comfortable closed-toe shoes/boots, long pants, a water bottle and your sense of wonder. Weather permitting, be prepared to go off the walking trails. In case of inclement weather, the Photo Hike will be canceled. Please check Facebook for any cancellations.

Registration is required. Sign up in advance by contacting Doreen Van Ryswyk at Doreen_vanryswyk@fws.gov or call 515-994-3400.

Visit NSNWR's Facebook page at facebook.com/NealSmithNWR for information regarding all upcoming events.

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