Summer Fun on Your National Wildlife Refuge

Emerging research shows that children who feel connected to nature have better physical, mental and emotional health. And sharing the outdoors together can build strong family bonds and create lifelong memories.

Whether you go outside solo or with your family, national wildlife refuges are great places to have an active summer. Every state has at least one national wildlife refuge, and there is a refuge within an hour's drive of most major cities. Here is a sampling of summer activities:

June 14 - Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge (Maine) hosts its 11th Annual Children's Fishing Derby. Visit Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge (Indiana) for its Take a Kid Fishing day.

For a complete guide to fishing on about 270 national wildlife refuges, go to http://www.fws.gov/refuges/FishingGuide/index.html

June 2-June 21 - Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge (North Dakota) holds its Birding Festival from 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., including guided tours and a Prairie Wildflowers Walk. Learn about piping plover recovery and enjoy activities specifically geared toward youngsters.

July 13 - Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (New Jersey) invites outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to learn to identify some of the 70 butterfly species on the refuge. "Discovery Den" activities focus on the amazing world of dragonflies and butterflies.

August 10 - Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (New Jersey) holds its "Second Sunday . . with Friends, Dragonflies." The program will be followed by a guided walk into the normally closed Management Area. The Friends Bookstore and Gift Shop will be open, starting at 11 a.m.

August 22-24 - Nulhegan Basin Division of Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge will be part of the 17th Annual North Country Moose Festival in Bennington, Vermont. The festival has become wildly popular. After all, who doesn't love moose?

August 31 - Audubon National Wildlife Refuge (North Dakota) has planned a family afternoon with its "Greenwings Day," when people can learn about hunting, fishing, wildlife conservation and new outdoor skills. Kids will receive door prizes.

* To find a refuge in your area, visit http://www.fws.gov/refuges/refugeLocatorMaps/index.html

* To find a long list of events at national wildlife refuges, go to http://www.fws.gov/refuges/SpecialEvents/FWS_SpecialEvents_Search.cfm