LIBERTY, October 6, 2009 - Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 11-18, by visiting Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge and participating in the Annual Butterfly Count on Saturday, October 17th. No experience is necessary and you will get to walk some trails that are usually closed to public access.

"National Wildlife Refuge Week is a great time to visit a refuge. Wildlife is very active in the fall, making this one of the best times of the year to experience the beauty and drama of the outdoors," said Stuart Marcus, manager of the Trinity River Refuge in Liberty County, Texas.

The 25,000 acre Refuge has listed over 70 species of butterflies that have been observed over the past 9 years. Maybe you can help us discover a few more. We will meet at the Valero Gas Station at the intersection of Hwy 105 and Hwy 321 at 8:30 am on October 17. This is approximately 6 miles south of Cleveland, TX. Bring a box lunch if you like and appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather and muddy trails.

There are more than 545 national wildlife refuges across the country, offering a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, environmental education, wildlife observation and photography. Many wildlife refuges also offer nature hikes, bird watching tours, wildlife drives and trails, and other adventures. Each year, more than 40 million Americans discover the wonders of nature by visiting a wildlife refuge. There is at least one wildlife refuge in every state and one within an hour’s drive of most major cities.

In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt established Pelican Island as the first national wildlife refuge. Many wildlife refuges serve as rest stops along the major "flyways" used by countless migrating species, including ducks, geese and songbirds. Wildlife refuges are home to more than 700 species of birds, 220 species of mammals, 250 reptile and amphibian species and more than 200 species of fish.

For more information about National Wildlife Refuge Week events, contact a refuge near you or visit http://www.fws.gov.