5 Dec 2008 - Ward Museum Salisbury University; Salisbury, MD
© Irene Hinke-Sacilotto
Of the more than 500 National Wildlife Refuges in the U.S., Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is one of the most popular, receiving more than 1.5 million visitors per year. Located on the Virginia end of Assateague Island, a 37 mile long spit of sand paralleling the coast of Maryland and Virginia, Chincoteague NWR protects more than 14,000 acres of critical barrier island habitat including beach, dunes, marsh, maritime forest, and man-made impoundments.
In 1943 the refuge was established to provide feeding and resting areas for migratory birds, particularly the then dwindling population of greater snow geese. Today the refuge is managed for the benefit of a wide variety of wildlife and plant species including those endangered and threatened, such as the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel and piping plover. Strategically located along the Atlantic Flyway, Chincoteague NWR is vital to the survival of millions of shorebirds, waterfowl, songbirds and other migratory species which stop within its boundaries to refuel and rest before continuing their journey to their final destinations. More than 300 species of birds have been identified on the refuge.
A great place to witness barrier island dynamics at work, Assateague Island is constantly being reshaped by ocean currents, storms, and rising sea level. Over the last hundred years, more than 2.5 miles of beach has been added to the southern end of the island, forming Toms Cove Hook.
Join Irene Hinke-Sacilotto for visual journey to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island to explore the various habitats, meet some of the inhabitants, and learn about the barrier island dynamics. Discover the attraction that led Irene to publish the book, "Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, An Ecological Treasure.".
© Irene Hinke-Sacilotto
Link to Ward Museum web page
http://www.wardmuseum.org
© Irene Hinke-Sacilotto