Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge back on schedule

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is back in business following the two-week federal government shut down. Many events and activities have been rescheduled.

Visit the refuge’s website at fws.gov/northeast/primehook or call the refuge office at 302-684-8419 for more information.

Discover the Outdoors Day, which was scheduled for Oct. 19, has been cancelled and there are no plans to reschedule the event this year.

The Friends of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge has extended the deadline for accepting entries for its 10th annual Nature Photography Contest to Sunday, Nov. 3. This contest showcases some of the best nature photography on Delmarva. The contest is open to all photographers, including separate categories for students. There are several categories with many chances to win awards for photographers of all ages and abilities. Categories include the beauty of Prime Hook, native flowers and plants, native birds, other native wildlife and Delmarva scenery. Viewers decide the “People’s Choice Award,” which will be presented at the conclusion of the exhibition.

The contest's exhibition will open to the public for the first time on Sunday, Nov. 10, with a reception and awards ceremony. Winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded. The reception will be from 2 to 4 p.m. in the refuge auditorium and light refreshments will be available.

The PRIME time program will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 4. PRIME time stands for Preschooler Reading Initiative to Magnify the Environment. Preschoolers (and their parents) are invited to listen to a nature-based story and participate in a related activity that will help them learn about the environment. This month’s topic is animal tracks. Participation is free but pre-registration is required by calling the refuge office at 684-8419. Meet at the refuge auditorium.