The Friends of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) invite everyone to the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center to enjoy a day of wildlife viewing, artisan exhibits, the music of Blackwater and seasonal instrumental sounds of Cindy Bech & Mary Beth Goll, and holiday shopping, heralded by the arrival of “Eagle Claus.” on Saturday December 6, 10:00 – 4:00.
Wildlife painters Marcia Poling with her beautiful hand painted autographed ornaments and crafts, the hand painted jewelry and clothing Donna Valleix, Grover Cantwell displaying his exquisite images of the Eastern Shore in watercolor and oil paintings, and award winner Bob Tolley with his paintings will all be on hand, displaying and offering their wonderful wildlife art work for purchase. Photographers Mary Konchar, Frank Severence and Bob Quinn will exhibit their photography for sale and be available to answer questions. In addition to displaying their works for sale, carving demonstrations by Wayne Wheeler, Don Briddle and chainsaw carver Tommy Winn entertain Open House visitors.
Teena Gorrow & Craig Koppie, authors of Inside a Bald Eagle’s Nest, along with Cindy Freland, author of the Chesapeake Adventure series of children’s books will be present to discuss and autograph copies of their books.
Free activities, including crafts, storytelling, children’s gift certificate drawings and photos taken with “Eagle Claus” will entertain children of all ages. All this, and free entry to the Blackwater Refuge Wildlife Drive to enjoy the eagles and returning migratory waterfowl make this year’s Friends Open House & Craft show an event not to be missed! For more information call 410-228-2677 or check our website at www.friendsofblackwater.org.
Schedule:
8:00 – Bird walk with Terry Allen
10:00-2:30 Children’s Crafts
10:00 Film: “Blackwater: Challenges Met, Promises Kept”
10:30-3:30 Complimentary gift-wrapping
10:30 Eagle Claus arrives
10:45 Children’s photos with Eagle Claus
11:00 Blackwater band performance
11:00 Storytelling “Curtis the Crab” with author, Cindy Freland
11:00 Film: “Blackwater: Challenges Met, Promises Kept”
11:30 Driftwood carving demonstration with Tommy Winn (outdoor tent)
11:45 Children’s drawing for gift certificates
12:00 “What a River Says: Exploring the Blackwater River and Refuge” author presentation
12:00 Holiday Music
12:00 Storytelling “Santa Claws” with Frannie Malley
12:30 Storytelling “Heather the Honeybee” with author, Cindy Freland
12:30 Children’s photos with Eagle Claus
1:00 Blackwater band performance
1:00 Storytelling “Tea with Lady Sapphire” with Mary Beth Goll
1:00 Driftwood carving demonstration with Tommy Winn (outdoor tent – bring the children!)
1:30 Storytelling “Jordan the Jellyfish” with author, Cindy Freland
1:30 “What a River Says: Exploring the Blackwater River and Refuge” author presentation
1:30 Children’s photos with Eagle Claus
2:00 Holiday Music
2:15 Children’s drawing for gift certificates
2:30 Children’s photos with Eagle Claus (observation area)
2:30 Film: “Blackwater: Challenges Met, Promises Kept”
3:30 Film: “Blackwater: Challenges Met, Promises Kept”