Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release
For release: March 10, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Jim Fregonara, Wildlife Resources Section (304) 637-0245 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

Wildlife Diversity Day at the Capitol March 23

  Anyone interested in learning about the diversity of West Virginia 's native wildlife and plants will want to be under the Capitol Rotunda on March 23 for the annual Wildlife Diversity Day, according to West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro. This free event will feature live animals and interactive educational exhibits from the Wildlife Resources Section's Wildlife Diversity Program and from other groups active in managing and conserving West Virginia 's unique wildlife resources. Exhibits will be on display in the lower Capitol Rotunda from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

  Legislators, school children and the public will have the opportunity to see live eagles, hawks, owls, snakes, butterflies, insects and mammals up close, as well as exhibits on a variety of natural history themes. Expected participants include: The WV Raptor Rehabilitation Center, Three Rivers Avian Center, WV Division of Forestry, WV Division of Waste Management, Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Water Resources, Law Enforcement, Environmental Resources and State Parks and Recreation Sections of the Division of Natural Resources, WV Wildlife Center, WV Department of Agriculture Plant Industries, New River Gorge National River, Oglebay Good Zoo, Canaan Valley and Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuges, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, WV Cave Conservancy, Dupont Washington Works, Brooks Bird Club and Butterflies from Heather.

  “I encourage all West Virginians , students, teachers and parents, as well as legislators and their staffs, to take part in the wildlife activities on March 23. It's a great time to learn about and observe our wildlife up close. This is always one of the most popular days during the legislation session,” Jezioro said.

  The Wildlife Diversity Program conducts research, management and educational projects in the area of nongame wildlife and botanical resources throughout the state. These animals comprise more than 90 percent of all species statewide. Monitoring endangered and threatened species, conducting surveys for birds and other wildlife and collaborating in the publication of wildlife books and guides for distribution to schools are all examples of projects undertaken by the Wildlife Diversity Program. The program is also involved with projects for creating wildlife habitat around schools and backyards. For more information about the Wildlife Diversity Day please contact: Jim Fregonara at the Wildlife Diversity Program, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Section, P.O. Box 67 , Elkins WV 26241 , (304) 637-0245 or jimfregonara@wvdnr.gov .

**DNR**