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Wallkill Refuge celebrates 25 years

| 28 Sep 2015 | 04:20
    The blue goose mascot announced the celebratory cake for the visitors and volunteers.
    The blue goose mascot announced the celebratory cake for the visitors and volunteers.
    A woman and young child take a break from the festivities.
    A woman and young child take a break from the festivities.
    Trees and shrubs were available for those wanting to expand their gardens.
    Trees and shrubs were available for those wanting to expand their gardens.
    The day included the chance to ride on a horse-drawn wagon. The horses are Belgian Draft Horses and measure nearly 18 hands at their withers.
    The day included the chance to ride on a horse-drawn wagon. The horses are Belgian Draft Horses and measure nearly 18 hands at their withers.
    William and Lyle Gerbracht of Westtown, N.Y., signed up to be Friends of the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge. Signing them up was refuge volunteer and Wantage resident Diane Ross.
    William and Lyle Gerbracht of Westtown, N.Y., signed up to be Friends of the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge. Signing them up was refuge volunteer and Wantage resident Diane Ross.
    Making apple cider the old fashioned way.
    Making apple cider the old fashioned way.
    Youngsters had the opportunity to try fishing.
    Youngsters had the opportunity to try fishing.
    At the right, Giselle Smisko of the Wantage-based Avian Wildlife Center answers a visitorsþÄô questions.
    At the right, Giselle Smisko of the Wantage-based Avian Wildlife Center answers a visitorsþÄô questions.
    Vintage tractors were on display along with a red 1965 Shelby Cobra with a 427 cubic inch engine. The car is capable of reaching 187 miles per hour.
    Vintage tractors were on display along with a red 1965 Shelby Cobra with a 427 cubic inch engine. The car is capable of reaching 187 miles per hour.
    Avian Wildlife Center volunteer Dan Graham of Wantage is shown teaching Wallkill Wildlife Refuge visitors all about this Red Tailed Hawk.
    Avian Wildlife Center volunteer Dan Graham of Wantage is shown teaching Wallkill Wildlife Refuge visitors all about this Red Tailed Hawk.

VERNON — Hundreds of visitors came to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge last Saturday.

The day included numerous displays and crafts and the chance to ride on a horse-drawn wagon.

Also available were a free chicken and pig roast, archery lessons, and the chance for youngsters to try fishing. The six-hour event was held at the northern Owens Station Road complex.

Programs at the Refuge are free and donations are accepted. Donating to or joining the Friends of the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge supports the public programs and the work of the refuge.

For information call 973-702-7266, ext. 10 or visit www.fws.gov/northeast/wallkillriver. The Refuge headquarters is located at 1547 County Route 565 in Vernon.

— Photos by Chris Wyman