Prime Hook posts July events starting with nature photography

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge has put together a month's worth of activities for July.

Starting at 8 a.m., Wednesday, July 9, Nature Through a Lens - Photographing the Hook will give participants an opportunity to improve photography skills and gain a better appreciation for how nature changes through the seasons. Participants will select a location on the refuge and photograph plants, wildlife, and landscapes every month. Images will be printed and displayed in the auditorium to showcase nature’s seasonal transitions. This class meets in the refuge auditorium.

In An Evening at the Hook Lecture Series, William Langworthy of the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife will present "Frogs of Delaware " from 7 to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 10.  Langworthy will discuss how many different kinds of frogs live in the First State.  The lecture is free, open to the public, and fun for the entire family. Seating is limited on a first-come, first-served basis in the refuge’s auditorium.  Light refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m.

S.N.A. P. It! - Shutterbugs for Nature and Photography - meets from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Monday, July 14, at the refuge office. The whole family is welcome to participate. The refuge will provide cameras. This program is for families that want to learn new, fun ways to play outside together while discovering wildlife and their habitats. The program features a tutorial session and time to snap photos in the outdoors. Participants will go home with a printed photo and a new hobby to enjoy. Photographs will also be put on display in the refuge’s Visitor Center and on the refuge website. Cameras are limited, so call to preregister. The program is free.

Volunteer birding guides will lead a birding field trip from 8 to 11 a.m., Thursday, July 17. Beginner and experienced bird watchers will enjoy observing and learning about the bird species frequenting the refuge at this time of year. Come prepared for the weather and expect to walk up to a mile. Bring  binoculars, a field guide, and spotting scope (the leader will have spotting scopes also). Binoculars will be available to borrow. Meet at the refuge office. Trips are free and open to the public.

In Pondside Adventures, scheduled for 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, July 17, participants will have a hands-on experience in learning what types of fish and aquatic insects live in the area as they pull a seine or scoop a dip net.  Footwear is required; sunscreen and hats are recommended for this wet and wild activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the refuge office.

Visit www.fws.gov/refuge/Prime_Hook/ or call the refuge office at 302-684-8419 to learn more about other events and programs throughout the year.

The refuge is open every day from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset in designated areas. The Visitor Center is open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, year round. On weekends, the Visitor Center is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. from December through March and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from April through November.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information go to www.fws.gov.