Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge along with the Friends of Trinity River Refuge will be hosting the annual "Free Family Fishing Day" on Saturday, June 5, 2010 from 9:00am - 11:00am at the Champion Lake Public Use Area. It is the one day in the state of Texas that anyone can fish or crab without a license on public waters. We will have fishing poles and bait for those who need it along with experienced fishermen who can help children with baiting hooks and casting techniques. All ages are invited.

Champion Lake is located at the end of CR 417, two miles east of FM 1409 in southern Liberty County. This is approximately 10 miles south of Dayton, TX from Hwy 90 or about six miles north of I-10 at the Cove exit (FM 565). Admission is free. Call the Refuge office at 936/336-9786 for more information. You may want to bring a lawn chair as seating is limited

The Trinity River Refuge booth had another fantastic showing at the March 27 Liberty Jubilee. We counted 1222 visitors who were helped by 15 volunteers (many thanks) and 3 staff during the day long event. A few kids did cry when we wouldn't let them take home one of the ducklings we had on display, but other than that things went well. We couldn't have asked for a nicer day as the weather held out except for some wind gusts.

Stuart Marcus
Refuge Manager
Trinity River Refuge

Trinity River Refuge had a very impressive 17 adult volunteers along with 3 youth volunteers at the April 3 butterfly garden weeding and planting workday. I would like to thank Huntsman Chemical for bringing us a new bunch of new volunteers. Over 125 plants were planted and many weeds weeded in less than 2 hours because of all the good help on a cool and very foggy morning. It won't be that nice the next time we weed in the fall!!! I attached a few photos of the workday. Please remember that Saturday, April 24 is our Earth Day Celebration at Champion Lake and all of you are invited. It starts at 11:00am, but if any volunteers can come 2 hours early, they can help set up the tents, tables, and chairs. See many of you in a couple of weeks. I am having a couple of my Regional Office folks down for Earth Day, so let's have a BIG turnout. Thanks

by Stuart Marcus, Refuge Manager

Great news – the Refuge was funded for a new office and bids should go out by this fall.

The Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was held on January 16^th with over 60 folks in attendance.  Biologist Laurie Lomas delivered the Appreciation Dinner presentation featuring highlights of volunteer events and Refuge projects during 2009.  Jerrel Davison cooked a fine meal again and many folks brought in some fine desserts.

We have 3 upcoming events for you to mark on your calendar. There are volunteer opportunities at each event.  First, the Liberty Jubilee is on March 27.  If you cannot volunteer, please come by and visit the booth near the Liberty City Hall building.  Second, the Butterfly Garden weed and planting day is on April 3 from 9:00 am until noon.  NO MULCHING THIS TIME!  We need to replant most of the garden due to the freezes and hog damage.  Hogs should not be a problem anymore!  Third, in commemoration of Earth Day 2010, the Refuge along with the FOTRR, will host an afternoon of outdoor activities at the Champion Lake Public Use Area.  The fun-filled afternoon is on Saturday, April 24 from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm.  Activities will include canoeing, kayaking and boating tours, bird and butterfly viewing, walking the levee trail, and dip netting and fishing lessons in the lake for the kids. Champion Lake is located at the end of CR 417, two miles east of FM 1409 in southern Liberty County.  This is approximately 10 miles south of Dayton, TX from Hwy 90 or about six miles north of I-10 at the Cove exit (FM 565). Admission is free.  Call the Refuge office at 936/336-9786 for more information. You may want to bring a lawn chair as seating is limited.