In celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week Oct. 14-20, two regional refuges are offering unique ways to explore nature: Pea Island and Alligator River national wildlife refuges.
Oct. 13, a tram tour of Alligator River refuge will take place from 9 a.m. until noon. The three-hour tour offers reserved spots for $7 and children 12 and under can register for free with a paying adult. Unreserved seats will be filled at no charge on a first come, first served basis. To make a reservation, contact Cindy Heffley at 252-475-4180 or email cindy_heffley@fws.gov.
Later that evening, visitors can learn about the endangered red wolf then follow a guide for a journey into the heart of the refuge in attempt hear the call of the refuge’s captive red wolves. The program starts at 6 p.m. and no reservation is required. Interested participants should meet at the trailhead for the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail on U.S. Highway 64, 19 miles east of Columbia.
At Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, a guided bird walk will be held each morning from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Oct. 17-19. A stroll through the refuge will take visitors to view resident and migratory birds. Participants should meet at the Pea Island Visitor Center.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 “as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife” and is located at mile-post 32, N.C. Highway 12 South, Dare County, on the Outer Banks.