Wallkill River Wildlife Fund plans anniversary

VERNON — Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge is celebrating its 25th anniversary and is inviting the public to attend the special event on Saturday, Sept. 26.

The free event will be held at 136 Owens Station Road in Sussex from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All ages will find things to do and create that day. There will be archery to try, horse-drawn hay rides, bird house building, free chicken and pig roast, fishing, wildlife on display, guided walks, demonstrations, and pumpkin painting to name a few. New Jersey Fish and Wildlife will loan fishing equipment to anyone who would like to fish in the lake that day, the Native Plant Society will show how to create a beautiful garden with native plants and will have seeds for visitors. The Sussex County Bird Club and the Avian Wildlife Center will show birds of the area, and the Sussex County Bee Keepers will be demonstrating.

The refuge is holding a photo contest in connection with the anniversary.

Photos taken at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge will be displayed at the event and visitors are invited to vote for their favorite student and adult photos to determine the winners. Anyone interested in submitting a photo should contact Ray Cramer by emailing ray.cramer@gmail.com or phone the refuge at (973)702-7266, Ext. 10 before Sept. 15.

The event will be held rain or shine. For more information check www.FriendsofWallkillRiver.org website or phone the refuge.