Bombay Hook refuge to celebrate spring, 88th anniversary March 22

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge will host an open house and spring festival for its 88th anniversary celebration starting at 8 a.m., Saturday, March 22, at 2591 Whitehall Neck Road, Smyrna.

The public is welcome to enjoy a day of fun and celebrate the 88th anniversary of Bombay Hook NWR’s establishment. Staff will be showcasing the recently installed exhibits and updated visitor center. There will be fun activities, educational booths, and interesting programs.

From 8 to 10 a.m., volunteers from the Delaware Ornithological Society will offer a guided bird walk along the Forest Discovery Tree Trail.

Refuge van tours are set for 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., when visitors can take a trip around the auto tour route with a Delaware Master Naturalist.

Refuge Project Leader Kate Toniolo will officially welcome visitors at 10:30 a.m., followed by remarks from Jeremy Johnson, cultural education director for the Delaware Tribe of Indians who helped create the new exhibits.

Volunteers and partner organizations will offer information, activities and games at tables around the building from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and there will be a scavenger hunt for prizes.

Guests can enjoy complimentary refreshments at 11 a.m. as they explore the exhibits, and learn about refuge history and wildlife.

Animal Behavior and Conservation Connections will present a live bird program at 12 p.m. Phung Luu is back at Bombay Hook with his fantastic avian wildlife ambassadors. Visitors can take in an educational free flight program while learning about conservation and stewardship.

Creation of a Legacy, at 1 p.m., will detail the history of how a unique troop of the Civilian Conservation Corps built the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

For more information, go to fws.gov/event/bombay-hook-nwr-88th-anniversary-open-house-and-spring-festival.