Delmarva Fox Squirrel Recovered

The Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel is no longer at risk of extinction, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

USFWS will officially remove the squirrel from the list of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in December 2015.

The species was one of the animals included on the first list of endangered species nearly a half century ago.

Larger than other squirrel species and generally not found in suburban or urban areas, the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel ranged throughout the Delmarva Peninsula of Maryland, Delaware and Virginia before experiencing a sharp decline in the mid-20th century.

With its range reduced more than 90 percent, the squirrel was one of 78 species listed under the Endangered Species Preservation Act in 1967, the predecessor of the ESA enacted six years later.

Since listing, the squirrel’s range has increased from four to 10 counties, and a population of up to 20,000 squirrels now covers 28 percent of the Delmarva Peninsula, primarily in Maryland.

Efforts contributing to recovery include translocation of animals to establish new populations, closing of the targeted hunting season, growth and dispersal of the population, and protection of large forested areas for habitat.

Delmarva fox squirrels are common at Blackwater (Maryland), Chincoteague (Virginia), and Prime Hook (Delaware) national wildlife refuges.

Prior to its 2014 proposal to remove the squirrel from the endangered species list, FWS followed a rigorous and detailed process to assess the Delmarva fox squirrel’s extinction risk.

The agency’s 2012 five-year review analyzed the status of populations, habitat and threats, considered the delisting criteria from the 1993 recovery plan, and ultimately recommended to delist the species because it is no longer in danger of extinction. A post-delisting monitoring plan will ensure the squirrel remains secure from extinction.

source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Friends of Patuxent Wildlife Holiday Bazaar

Friends of Patuxent Wildlife Holiday Bazaar
November 14, 2015
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Patuxent Research Refuge

The 2015 Patuxent Research Refuge Holiday Bazaar will include a variety of new and gently used collectibles, books, crafts, artwork, and other items. Food and bake goods will also be offered for sale at the event.

The Friends of Patuxent Wildlife Holiday Bazaar supports the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and the Patuxent Research Refuge.

For more information, visit www.friendsofpatuxent.org.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Land Acquisition

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Dorchester County recently received approval to acquire 758 acres for $2.235 million.
     
The funding was among nearly $6.5 million in expenditures from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund to conserve 3,274 acres for five national wildlife refuges through fee title land acquisitions and easement acquisitions.

The Migratory Bird Conservation Fund receives money through the sale of Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps (Duck Stamps), which help provide habitat for wildlife and increased opportunities for refuge visitors who enjoy hunting, birdwatching, photography and other activities.

For every dollar spent on federal Duck Stamps, 98 cents goes toward the acquisition or lease of habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Since 1934, the Federal Duck Stamp Program and Migratory Bird Conservation Fund have provided more than $800 million to acquire more than 5.7 million acres for the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Eagle Festival

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Eagle Festival
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, MD
March 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge eagle festival includes several free bus tours to see active eagles' nests.
Pre-registration is NOT required.

source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

National Wildlife Refuge Week Maryland Events

In Maryland, a number of activities will be held in celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week 2012.

Patuxent Research Refuge will host a variety of activities Saturday, October 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will feature live animals, kids’ crafts, tram tours ($3), scientific demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes research tours of the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. Participants will learn how endangered whooping cranes and sea ducks are raised and studied.

On Sunday, October 14, Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge will participate in the "The Big Sit!" bird count.

The activity will be held at the Tubby Cove Observation Platform, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. During the event, teams count and report bird species seen or heard from a 17-foot-diameter circle.

Each year in October, The Big Sit! bird count is held at a number of refuges across the USA.

source: USFWS