Quogue Wildlife Refuge Hosting Inaugural Walk For Wildlife Walk-a-Thon

Since the weather is finally showing promising signs of spring, get outside and explore the Quogue Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, April 1 during the Refuge’s inaugural Walk for Wildlife.

“We are thrilled to have our first Walk for Wildlife Walk-a-Thon at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge,” shared Marisa Nelson, Assistant Director. “We feel that it will be a fun community event for all ages, and a great way to raise money for the Refuge, and get folks outside enjoying the trails!”

Depending on how strenuous of a trek participants want, they can pick from three different Walk-a-Thon lengths, and if they’re really enjoying the stroll, they can even repeat their course. “Walkers can choose from various trail lengths including a 1 mile, 1.5 mile, or 3 mile, and can walk multiple times if they want a longer walk,” she shared.

Those who know for sure they’ll be participating should register in advance, as there is a perk for early birds. “The first 150 registrants will receive an event shirt, and if a walker brings their own reusable water bottle, they will receive an event sticker,” Nelson said.

Although the Refuge is open daily, this event provides attendees with the unique chance to discover the trails with hundreds of other likeminded nature and animal lovers. “Quogue Wildlife Refuge is a 300 acre non-profit nature preserve that is open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset, has 7 miles of nature trails,” explained Nelson. “The Refuge offers educational programs throughout the year, including a very popular summer camp, and we care for permanently injured wildlife as well.”

Since the event is taking place at the Refuge, which houses several exciting residents, like a bald eagle, barn owl, barred owl, eastern screech owl, great horned owl, peregrine falcon, red fox, red-tailed hawk, Virginia opossum, wild turkey, tortoises, bearded dragon, chinchillas, and corn snake – Walk for Wildlife will include an endearing themed element that pays homage to its residents. “Walkers are invited to wear an animal themed costume for the chance to win a prize,” added Nelson. “We have received generous sponsorship from the following local businesses including: The Leo Walsh Foundation, Austin Patterson Disston Architects, Cardo Site Development, Inc., Cowfish, Fruit King, Hurricane Deli, Independent Group Home Living IGHL, John’s Pools & Spas, Marvil Fit, Quogue Fire Department, Quogue Market, Rumba, Speonk Lumber, Tonino’s Pizza & Italian Eatery, Village of Quogue P.B.A., Visionary Graphics, and Westhampton True Value.”

Check in will take place from 9 to 9:30 a.m., and the walk will begin at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is $20 for youth (under 18-years-old) and $30 for adults. Registration on the day of the event is $25 for youths and $35 for adults.

Quogue Wildlife Refuge is locate at 3 Old Country Road in Quogue. For more information, call 631-653-4771 or visit quoguewildliferefuge.org.