"Resident Photographer" at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
During most of September, 2010, I was fortunate to be selected as the "Resident Photographer" at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, in Canaan Valley, near Davis, WV.
The Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge is the nation’s 500th! The Refuge works to preserve the unique wetlands and uplands of this high elevation, moist valley. You may enjoy the Refuge by participating in wildlife-dependent recreation, including wildlife observation and photography, hunting, fishing, environmental education, and nature programs.
The combination of wet soils, forests, shrub lands and open lands throughout the valley provides a diversity of wildlife habitats. In these habitats, some animals, such as deer, raccoon, geese and squirrel are easy to see. Others, such as mink, bobcat and barred owls stay hidden most of the time. Beaver build dams from trees, manipulating water levels to their advantage. Woodcock treat us to their breeding display in spring. Turkey and ruffed grouse provide a challenge for hunters and birders. Over the years, native brook trout in the river have been joined by other species of trout and bass.
While serving as their September "Resident Photographer," I have photographed the flora and fauna all around most of the Refuge's almost 16,000 acres. I also provided an exhibit of my favorite nature photos, and did a presentation for visitors, entitled "ABCs of Better Photos." The end of September will also close entries for the "Friends of the 500th" annual amateur photo contest.
Read MoreThe Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge is the nation’s 500th! The Refuge works to preserve the unique wetlands and uplands of this high elevation, moist valley. You may enjoy the Refuge by participating in wildlife-dependent recreation, including wildlife observation and photography, hunting, fishing, environmental education, and nature programs.
The combination of wet soils, forests, shrub lands and open lands throughout the valley provides a diversity of wildlife habitats. In these habitats, some animals, such as deer, raccoon, geese and squirrel are easy to see. Others, such as mink, bobcat and barred owls stay hidden most of the time. Beaver build dams from trees, manipulating water levels to their advantage. Woodcock treat us to their breeding display in spring. Turkey and ruffed grouse provide a challenge for hunters and birders. Over the years, native brook trout in the river have been joined by other species of trout and bass.
While serving as their September "Resident Photographer," I have photographed the flora and fauna all around most of the Refuge's almost 16,000 acres. I also provided an exhibit of my favorite nature photos, and did a presentation for visitors, entitled "ABCs of Better Photos." The end of September will also close entries for the "Friends of the 500th" annual amateur photo contest.
