By Lauren Burton
My, how the years fly by! Established in 1935, the Seney National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, and they want to celebrate by hearing YOUR stories from the refuge.
Hundreds of thousands of people from across the U.S. and around the world have visited Seney NWR and made some great memories there. Every single visitor to the refuge has a unique experience and story to tell. As part of its anniversary, the refuge is striving to collect, archive, and share as many stories about the refuge as it can.
Do you have a personal connection to the refuge? An interesting experience? A favorite place? A memorable moment? The refuge wants you to share!
To kick off this year of storytelling, the refuge will be hosting a community potluck at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 27 at the Germfask Township Hall, 8093 Pine Street in Germfask. The event is a way to share stories, spark memories, and make connections.
There will be a short program and an opportunity for those in attendance to tell their stories. Do you have photos to go along with your stories? Even better. Please bring them!
If you don’t feel up to public speaking, refuge volunteers will also collect written stories at the dinner. Please RSVP if you can by March 25 to seneyrefuge90years@gmail.com or call/text 810-938-3020.
Everyone is welcome! Bring a friend. Bring a dish to pass if you can. Tableware and beverages will be provided.
If you can’t make it to the potluck, don’t worry. The refuge will be collecting stories and memories all year. Stories can be submitted several ways, including:
• Email to seneyrefuge90years@gmail.com
• Mail to P.O. Box 447, Curtis, MI 49820
• Share to the Friends of Seney National Wildlife Refuge Facebook page.
Area libraries have also agreed to collect stories for the Seney NWR. Participating libraries are:
Curtis Public Library, 9220 Portage Ave., Curtis, library@curtislibrary.org, (906) 586-9411
Engadine Public Library, W13920 Melville St., Engadine, mchaffin@eupschools.org, (906) 477-6313
Tahquamenon Public Library, 700 Newberry Avenue, Newberry, (906) 293-5214
Manistique Public Library, 100 N. Cedar St., Manistique, mhook@manistiqueschools.org, (906) 252-4316
Grand Marais Library/Township Hall, E21837 Grand Marais Ave., www.burttownship.com, (906) 494-2381
