Did you ever stop to think about the hours that the Visitor
Center is open? We understand that many
years ago the Visitor Center at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge had been
manned by volunteers on weekends, but somewhere along the way that effort ended. Then, in 2004 then Refuge Manager Johnny
Beall held a meeting to recruit volunteers for starting up again. The new weekend hours were 9 am – Noon on
Saturdays and 1 - 4 pm on Sundays.
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| Volunteers hoisted the OPEN flag each weekend at the old Visitor Center. |
This schedule continued until early in 2009, when the
Saturday hours were extended – 9 am – 3 pm.
Sunday hours remained the same at that time.
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| The Temporary Refuge Office was open on weekends, thanks to volunteers, during construction of the new Visitor Center/ Refuge Office |
Now, fast forward to September, 2011 and the opening of the
new Visitor Center and Refuge Office. Volunteers not only manned the new Visitor Center on weekends, but the weekend
hours were extended, becoming 9 am – 4pm on Saturdays, and 1 – 5 pm on Sundays.
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| 2011 - Brand new Visitor Center/Refuge Office; photo by Ken Day |
AND – volunteers started the Nature Nook book and gift shop also,
with weekday hours - Monday through Friday, from 10 am – 3 pm. The Visitor Center and Nature Nook has
remained open year around since except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day,
“iced-in days” and during the government shutdown.*
SOON – volunteers will be there to serve visitors and assist
the staff even longer hours during the week, from 9 am – 4 pm, Monday through
Friday, beginning on March 10.
This would not be possible without the large team of over 50
individuals - friendly and capable volunteers who agree to work one or more
shifts each month at the Refuge. These
folks prepare by becoming familiar Refuge rules and regulations, location of
points on the Refuge of interest to visitors, Refuge history and more. In addition they become proficient in the
sales process and operating the gift shop.
Please remember to give the volunteers on duty at the time
of your next visit special thanks, and if you would like to join their ranks,
contact us and we will add you to the list for the next Volunteer Orientation and Training
event.
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This Saturday, March 1, should be lovely, a perfect day for Youth First. We plan for part of our activity to be outdoors so wear appropriate shoes and jackets if it is chilly in the morning. Maybe even eat a carrot or two are we will need sharp eyes to detect who lives in the bark of trees.
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