In Focus Today
(2009-05-11)
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Assateague Island
(Photo source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
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Show Information:
Show Number: 74
Guest(s):
- Michael S. Dixon, Visitor Services Mgr. / Chincoteague NWR
- Lee Gilson, Volunteer / Chincoteague NWR
Subject(s): The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Original Airdate: Monday, May 11, 2009
Running Time: 29 minutes
Brief Synopsis:
One of the most well-known natural attractions on the Eastern Shore is Assateague Island - located just off the Atlantic coasts of Maryland and Virginia.
Officially known as the Assateague Island National Seashore, this 37-mile long barrier island is literally divided by a state line - with the Assateague State Park to the north in Maryland, and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge mostly occupying the Virginia side, to the south.
In this program, we're going to focus on the southern portion of the island - which is itself is physically located across from Chincoteague Island, Virginia - separated by the Assateague Channel.
The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is spread out over 14,000 acres of pristine beach, dunes, marsh and maritime forests. It was originally established in 1943 to provide a safe habitat for migrating birds - but has become home to more than 320 species of wildlife, including the famous Chincoteague ponies.
Today, it's one of the most visited refuges in the United States. And it's managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
I was invited to stop by the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center on the island refuge, where I met up with U.S. Fish and Wildlife representative, Michael Dixon. He's the site's Visitor Services Manager, and he agreed to sit down and talk about the history and background of the Wildlife Refuge - as well as what it has to offer for visitors.
And later in the program, I'll speak with Lee Gilson, who is one of the longest-serving volunteers at the Chincoteague NWR. We'll discuss her background and experiences as both a Refuge Volunteer - and resident of Chincoteague Island, Virginia.
Both interviews were recorded at the Chincoteague NWR on April 14, 2009.
Additional Links & Information:
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (Assateague / Virginia):
P. O. Box 62
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
Telephone: 757-336-6122
E-mail: FW5RW_CNWR@fws.gov
Official Website: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco/
Profile: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=51570
Refuge Hours: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco/faq.htm
Chincoteague Pony Swim Information:
http://www.assateagueisland.com/ponyswim/ponyswim.htm
Assateague State Park (Assateague / Maryland):
7307 Stephen Decatur Highway
Berlin, Maryland 21811
Telephone: (410) 641-2120
Call 1-888-432-CAMP (2267) for reservations.
Website: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/PublicLands/Eastern/Assateague.html
Assateague Island National Seashore - Visitor Services:
http://www.assateagueisland.com/
Assateague Island (Wikipedia Entry):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assateague_Island
Questions or Comments?
E-mail us: wesm913@umes.edu
Or call 410-651-8001
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