Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Special Event

Greetings from Chincoteague Island! The following Press Release concerns a vitally important issue to all who know and love Chincoteague Island.

News Release
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 62
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: March 22, 2010
Contact: Lou Hinds, Refuge Manager Phone: 757-336-6122


Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Unveils Results of Yearlong Alternative Transportation Study
Public Invited to Attend Meeting on April 6

Refuge Manager Lou Hinds invites everyone to join him on April 6 at 6:00 PM in the Chincoteague Community Center for a presentation on the results of the Alternative Transportation Study conducted by the Volpe Center.

For the past year, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and its partners have been working with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center to complete this study. The purpose of the study was to objectively analyze different ways to address transportation problems -- including beach access, traffic, and parking.

The study results being presented on April 6th will include ideas and comments gathered from previous public meetings, as well as analysis of data and information about traffic, transportation, and other factors.

“We want those in attendance to learn more about the unbiased, well-rounded, and well thought out set of alternatives that were developed by the Volpe Center,” Lou Hinds exclaimed. “However, no decisions will be made that night to choose one alternative over another. We will only be presenting the findings of the study.”

The studies alternatives will provide suggestions for improving traffic flow from pedestrians, private cars, bicycles, and commercial buses. Based upon public input as well as experience and expertise, the study’s alternatives will drive the Refuge’s future decisions as it works through the development of its Comprehensive Conservation Plan.

For more information visit our website at http://www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco or contact Lou Hinds, at 757-336-6122.



-End-

Chincoteague Ponies in the Snow

Chincoteague Ponies in the Snow

I have been sitting and staring out of my window with a nice hot cup of tea. The tea that I drink is of my own concoction and consists of both Black and Green teas. The music in the background is a Brahms Piano Trio and it is serving as the perfect obbligato to my astonished state as I witness yet another blizzard here on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

This is truly a remarkable and totally unprecedented series of weather events and of course they carry inevitable repercussions. Like for instance, my son has had only two half-days of school in the past week and a half. Soccer games and practices have been cancelled for the same period and even his piano lesson is in jeopardy today. This particular storm seems angrier with its ferocious winds and blinding blankets of fluffy snow. It’s good to be inside.

My son and I have done a lot of bonding during this period, since my work is primarily done at home by phone and computer. My current main project is the Chincoteague Daffodil Festival on April 10th & 11th at the Chincoteague Community Center. This is the Eastern Shore of Virginia’s only Flower, Home, Garden and Spring Craft Event. If you want to learn more and check out the video my friend Larry Warwick shot of last years event, please visit http://www.ChincoteagueDaffodilFestival.com.

Now, I keep pretty busy with that work but with my son and I snowed-in all these days we have done a lot of reading together in the same room, watched numerous episodes of his favorite cartoon Phineas and Ferb and he plays his piano or Nintendo DSI while I obsess on the various political opinion shows that are a part of my TV diet. We also suit up and take long treks through our private woods with the dogs and pick up and drag branches and tree limbs to the burn pile. I know we will both cherish these memories as the years go by. The snow will get deeper and blow even more ferociously in our minds eye, but the thoughts will grow all the more precious as well.

Speaking of treasured memories, I have often remarked that every family should witness the Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim at least once in their lives. The Pony Swim will forge an unforgettable memory and a lasting bond between everyone who shares in that experience.

Well. Now I would like to add another Chincoteague Pony experience to that list. Everyone should see the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the Chincoteague Ponies in the Snow at least once as well. The marshes take on a very mysterious, even eerie patina in a snow storm and the Chincoteague ponies exude a nobility and stoic elegance that is achingly beautiful. Scharlene Leonard of the Island Butterfly has captured such a scene in one of her photographs. I am sure that she will be very happy to show it to you when you visit her eclectic shop on Main St. She and her daughter Carla are must see Main St. Merchants.

This weekend would be a great time to visit the Island Butterfly or any of the Main St. Merchants during the Death by Chocolate Event. Don’t miss it !
Now, back to my tea and daydreams,
Until the next time from the Chincoteague Insider,
Enjoy the moment…