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Seney Wildlife Refuge to open for season Tuesday

A beaver dam strings across the Walsh Ditch at the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. (Journal file photo)

SENEY — On Tuesday, the Visitor Center, Marshland Wildlife Drive, and Fishing Loop will open at Seney National Wildlife Refuge.

The Visitor Center and Drive are open from Tuesday to Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, including holidays. Visitor Center highlights include exhibits, a touch table, “The Wonder of Nature” film, and the Marshland Bookstore. Binoculars, field guides, fishing poles and more can be checked out free of charge courtesy of Seney Natural History Association and Seney National Wildlife Refuge, according to a press release from the refuge.

The Marshland Wildlife Drive is a 7 mile one-way tour route that winds its way through wetlands, meadows, and forests. Three accessible observation decks make this a great wildlife watching opportunity. Visitors can opt to take the Fishing Loop, which has an accessible fishing pier and will add about one and a half miles onto the Marshland Wildlife Drive. The Marshland Wildlife Drive is open from Tuesday to Oct. 20 and the Fishing Loop is open Tuesday to Sept. 30. Refuge hours are from dawn until dusk.

The Marshland Wildlife Drive and Fishing Loop are narrow winding roads with no shoulders. Some motor homes, trailers and buses are not allowed on the drive. Check the website or stop at the Visitor Center for more detailed information.

By popular demand, the observation deck spotting scopes will be back up this summer thanks to Seney Natural History Association. The spotting scopes, which had fallen into disrepair and were no longer functional, have been completely refurbished and will be back out on the decks for visitor’s enjoyment this summer.

The public is invited to join special events, tours and activities. Call 906-586-9851, ext. 15. The 2018 Seney Wildlife Refuge Event Calendar follows:

≤ Photo Tours: Tuesday and Thursday upon request. Meet other photographers and explore the refuge, look for great shots and share photos and skills.

≤ Twilight Tours: Thursday, May 31 and June 7 from 9 p.m. to midnight. Use your ears, not just your eyes, on these special evening tours of the refuge. The refuge is closed from dusk to dawn, so this tour is a rare opportunity to experience it in the twilight and early evening hours when many animals are active.

≤ Wildlife Wednesdays: Wednesday nights June, July and August from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Join an evening guided auto tour of the refuge backcountry. We’ll be looking for a variety of wildlife and sharing refuge history and management practices.

≤ Children’s Fishing Day: Saturday, June 23, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anglers ages 16 and under are welcome to participate. The refuge provide poles and bait. Register at the Visitor Center before fishing. Activities and games begin at noon in the visitor center. A complimentary fish dinner for all participants and their families will be held at 3 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony and random prize give away.

≤ Art Workshops: Saturday, July 21 from 10 a.m. to noon; Sunday, Aug. 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Woodcut artist and printmaker Ben Bohnsack will be hosting two workshops. Participants will be able to carve their own one-color designs into linoleum blocks, then print them by hand.

≤ Morning Tours: Mondays and Fridays, July 2-Aug. 24, Monday, Sept. 3, Fridays Sept. 14, Sept. 28 and Oct. 5. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Join a guided tour of the refuge and be on the lookout for wildlife while hearing information on the history of the refuge and current management practices.

≤ Junior Duck Stamp Exhibit: Aug. 10-25 at the Visitor Center The exhibit features the top entries as judged in the Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest as well as Michigan’s best of show.

≤ Photo Contest: Last Day to Enter is Aug. 31. Did you take a great photo while visiting refuge? People are encouraged to enter this people’s choice photo contest. Photos will be displayed at the visitor center and online for voting from Sept. 10 to Oct. 20. Winners receive bragging rights, a ribbon, loot from the bookstore, and their photos may be showcased in refuge publications.

≤ Additional pools open to fishing: Looking to catch that big fish? Why not try a pool normally closed to fishing? If you love to fish don’t miss out on the chance to fish E, C, D and portions of B, pools that are only open to fishing from Labor Day through Sept. 30 annually.

≤ Fall Color Float: Sept. 29 at 11 a.m. Join refuge staff for a 4-5 hour canoe/kayak trip down the Manistique River. Boat rentals are available locally. Preregistration is required.

≤ Youth In the Outdoors: Saturday, Oct. 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Anyone with kids who want to participate in this event should send an email to seney@ fws.gov to be added to the refuge’s mailing list and registration materials will be sent in August. There will be several activities to choose from and Scouts can earn badges or portions of badges.

≤ National Wildlife Refuge Week: week of Oct. 13-20. All are welcome to visit the refuge and enjoy the great outdoors.

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