Wildlife Refuge to host program on raptors

VERNON — The Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge will host a program on wild raptors on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 2 p.m.

Hawks and owls from the Avian Wildlife Center will be featured during the indoor presentation at Owens Station Crossing, 136 Owens Station Road in Vernon, New Jersey. Insights to the lives of these birds with tips on how to find and identify them will be provided.

Following the indoor talk, expert birder Ken Witkowski will lead people to Liberty Marsh to view the birds in the area. Rough-legged hawks, marsh hawks, bald eagles, and short-eared owls are among the raptors found in the area. This year, a snowy owl is a possible visitor with a large number of them migrating south from their arctic home. People should dress warmly for the outdoor part and bring binoculars. Loaner binoculars are available for the program.

There is a suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family for the program. It is free for current members of the Friends of Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, and new members are welcome to join. The Friends is a nonprofit organization that sponsors this and other public programs at the refuge throughout the year.

Hot chocolate will served by the Friends group. There will be some nature-themed items for sale from the Gift shop.

Hisotiran Ron Dupont will share historic facts and photos from the land now protected by the refuge at 2 p.m. Jan. 19. A lifelong resident of Vernon Township and author of Vernon 200, he has been researching, writing, and advocating for local history for 30 years. His knowledge of local lore and his passion for the past is obvious and captivating. He will reveal the stories of the people that settled, farmed, and made their livelihoods from the river valley.

Dupont's talk will be held at refuge headquarters, 1547 County Route 565 (Glenwood Road) in Vernon, N.J. Admission is free. Visitors can enjoy refreshments supplied by the Friends group.

For more information, call the refuge at (973) 702-7266 ext 10 or the Avian Wildlife Center at (973) 702-1957.