We are a statistic driven society so let us start with a stat that illustrates the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge’s field trips and tours. Last May, 493 students from multiple Aroostook schools, accompanied by teachers and parents, were bused to the refuge.
As part of their field trip experience they were introduced to either a nature or cold-war historical themed instruction and tour, or the combination circuit. The visits also include a guided hike on one of our many meticulously maintained trails and/or a driving tour. From pre-kindergarten through college they also filed through our nature, patriotic and store displays at the Nature Center. So what do we have to offer?
Nature Center: On a wildlife refuge, wildlife comes first, so let’s start there. Before you enter, we have a pollinator garden at the edge of the parking lot. The hand-planted native flowers are arranged to produce nectar throughout the temperate months to feed bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Inside you will first be greeted by a full-mount bald eagle and the American flag. We showcase numerous and diverse mounts of stuffed animals found on your refuge. Tanned furs from many of these animals are displayed so visitors can handle them. A stone, double fireplace adds to the lodge feel. Cut outs of waterfowl and songbird cavity nesting boxes with real eggs and nesting material depict incubation life. We have rubber impressions of animal tracks and scat along with many tables exhibiting bird nests, antlers, insects, plant material and various species’ skeletal parts. We encourage interactive handling of most of the displays to get maximum benefit from the visit.
The center also has a patio with picnic tables if a group wants to have lunch during a full-day visit.
Nature Trail Hike or Vehicle Tour: Depending on time and purpose of the field trip, we have about 13 miles of hiking trails or 5 miles of roads available to scout for wildlife or enjoy seeing the various original or restored habitats. These parts of the field trips are guided by knowledgeable escorts familiar with natural and former Loring base history, with stops at pre-identified points of interest or when an unexpected animal or life-science opportunity presents itself. Last year one of our guides escorted a busload of students and teachers to a bear feeding on dandelions. Many on the bus stated that they had never seen a bear. The bruin, not alarmed by human presence, calmly fed while students took pictures.
Historical: Loring Air Force Base’s former Weapons Storage Area is a huge draw with visitors awed by the presence of 40 bunkers that once stored nuclear and conventional bombs, missiles and mine armaments. The security entry control point is still in place for a walk through of how guarded this once top secret area was.
If a scout, church, school, business or organization would like to participate in a guided field trip, call the refuge at 328-4634. Guides are volunteers and subject to availability.
Upcoming Refuge Event: At 10 a.m. on May 12, come join us for a biologist-led vernal pool presentation and observation to learn how important this mini ecosystem is for salamanders, frogs and other animals. Because of our late and unpredictable thaw, this is subject to change, so call the refuge to check.
Wayne Selfridge is retired from the Air Force, stationed at Loring AFB for 11 of his 23 years of service. He is a member of the Friends of Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, a past president of the group, and volunteers about 80 hours a month at the refuge.
