U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Cuts the Ribbon on New Visitor Center at Prime Hook Wildlife Refuge

MILTON, Del.– Members of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gathered for a ceremony celebrating a significant infrastructure upgrade to the visitor center at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

The agency’s acting regional director for the northeast region, Sharon Marino, shared what makes this location so special.

“It’s over 10,000 acres, home to over 245 species of birds, and home to the recently de-listed Delmarva fox squirrel,” Marino said. “Really incredible wetlands, forests, grasslands, all types of different habitat for wildlife and for people to enjoy.”

Prime Hook’s refuge manager Chance Davis added that the new facility has allowed them to improve public outreach and share environmental education.

“This building has better exhibit area,” Davis said. “So when the public comes and visits the refuge, they can learn about the refuge, they can learn about the species. They can also see some of the restoration projects we’ve done and overall it’s a lot more accessible to the public.”

The new facility was funded by the Great American Outdoors Act which is designed to protect public lands and repair national infrastructure.

Marino says that the federal funding helps them cultivate wildlife refuges like the one in Prime Hook for generations to come.

“I think getting the public out, seeing first hand what nature brings them, will instill a sense of conservation ethic. “And wanting to see these areas protected forever, there are treasures for future generations to enjoy.”