Part of an ongoing series about the National Wildlife Refuge in Seal Beach.
The year was 1903 when President Theodore Roosevelt dedicated Pelican Island on the Atlantic coast as a National Wildlife Refuge for the protection of nesting birds.
This set a precedent for designating federal property specifically for the purpose of protecting wildlife, and thus the National Wildlife Refuge System was born.
The human interest in feathers for fashion, a passion for hunters for sport, began to decimate bird populations.
Present day, Pelican Island is shrinking and sinking due to natural and man-made causes and is now half the size of the historically designated Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Our local community has within our midst an opportunity to experience our own Pelican Island.
Alan, Donovan and Charles (pictured) examine a hat covered with feathers from the time period when fashion drove the attack on birds.
Located within Seal Beach we find the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1972 by an act of Congress.
A visit to the Refuge will provide a glimpse into resilient oyster shell colonies, re-established cord grass, a restored marshland, a refuge for endangered species, and resting grounds for migrating and nesting birds.
The Refuge provides a laboratory for researchers, students, project sites for community groups, and a home to Friends of Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge who find rewards in supporting the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and U.S. Navy in their shared environmental stewardship goals.
Like Pelican Island, this Refuge is experiencing the forces of nature and human activity that may impact the opportunity for future generations to enjoy.
Join Friends of Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge on a tour of the refuge which takes place on the last Saturday of each month.
A reservation and U.S. Citizenship are required. Request a reservation at 562-598-1024.
Joe Lazzari is a member of Friends of Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge.
The refuge is located within the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach.