Trinity River Refuge had a very impressive 17 adult volunteers along with 3 youth volunteers at the April 3 butterfly garden weeding and planting workday. I would like to thank Huntsman Chemical for bringing us a new bunch of new volunteers. Over 125 plants were planted and many weeds weeded in less than 2 hours because of all the good help on a cool and very foggy morning. It won't be that nice the next time we weed in the fall!!! I attached a few photos of the workday. Please remember that Saturday, April 24 is our Earth Day Celebration at Champion Lake and all of you are invited. It starts at 11:00am, but if any volunteers can come 2 hours early, they can help set up the tents, tables, and chairs. See many of you in a couple of weeks. I am having a couple of my Regional Office folks down for Earth Day, so let's have a BIG turnout. Thanks

by Stuart Marcus, Refuge Manager

Great news – the Refuge was funded for a new office and bids should go out by this fall.

The Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was held on January 16^th with over 60 folks in attendance.  Biologist Laurie Lomas delivered the Appreciation Dinner presentation featuring highlights of volunteer events and Refuge projects during 2009.  Jerrel Davison cooked a fine meal again and many folks brought in some fine desserts.

We have 3 upcoming events for you to mark on your calendar. There are volunteer opportunities at each event.  First, the Liberty Jubilee is on March 27.  If you cannot volunteer, please come by and visit the booth near the Liberty City Hall building.  Second, the Butterfly Garden weed and planting day is on April 3 from 9:00 am until noon.  NO MULCHING THIS TIME!  We need to replant most of the garden due to the freezes and hog damage.  Hogs should not be a problem anymore!  Third, in commemoration of Earth Day 2010, the Refuge along with the FOTRR, will host an afternoon of outdoor activities at the Champion Lake Public Use Area.  The fun-filled afternoon is on Saturday, April 24 from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm.  Activities will include canoeing, kayaking and boating tours, bird and butterfly viewing, walking the levee trail, and dip netting and fishing lessons in the lake for the kids. Champion Lake is located at the end of CR 417, two miles east of FM 1409 in southern Liberty County.  This is approximately 10 miles south of Dayton, TX from Hwy 90 or about six miles north of I-10 at the Cove exit (FM 565). Admission is free.  Call the Refuge office at 936/336-9786 for more information. You may want to bring a lawn chair as seating is limited.

To All Volunteers and Friends of the Refuge:

Please save the dates for 2 upcoming major events. I have had a few volunteers respond about helping us at the booth for the Liberty Jubilee in 2 hour shifts, but I could use more help.

The same goes for Earth Day. We need folks to erect the tents, teach fishing, kayaking, and dip netting with the kids. March 27 Liberty Jubilee booth 8:00am til 4:00pm April 24 Earth Day at Champion Lake 11:00am til 2:00pm.

Hope to see you even if you cannot volunteer. More info will be sent out as they get closer.

Thanks,
Stuart Marcus, Refuge Manager
Trinity River Refuge

Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge along with the Friends of Trinity River Refuge hosted a trash cleanup day at the Hwy 105 Trinity River bridge on September 26th. The cleanup event was part of a national effort for National Publics Lands Day. An unbelievable 74 volunteers assisted in picking up litter, filling an entire 7’ x 18’ trailer, with an estimated total of 1,000 pounds of trash. Aluminum cans were separated for recycling. Special thanks go to Ms. Penny Taylor of Liberty High School who brought 42 LHS students to the event, many with colorful tee shirts promoting the cleanup. Other volunteers included Scouts from 3 different packs and even some of the folks that were camping under the bridge pitched in.