For a state so large, and with such a bonanza of natural gifts and resources, it's a bit remarkable to realize only two of the 538 national wildlife refuges are in Pennsylvania.
Luckily one of is in our neighborhood: Erie National Wildlife Refuge in Guys Mills, Crawford County. The other: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, about one mile from the Philadelphia International Airport.
The two U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-administered refuges could be getting a 20,000-acre baby brother in Monroe County, according to the Morning Call of Altoona.
If you want to get involved with Erie National Wildlife refuge, you have multiple opportunities.
-- The nonproft Friends of the Erie National Wildlife Refuge is a growing organization that supports the refuge's missions. Complete an application to become a member.
-- The refuge is always looking for volunteers and also offers internships.
-- Students from kindergarten to 12th grade can submit entries for the refuge's 2009 50th anniversary poster contest.