Soon, the solitude of the Refuge in winter will be ending and spring will burst forth in all its glory. We at the Chincoteague Natural History Association, along with Refuge Staff and volunteers, will look forward to meeting visitors from across the country and around the world, and sharing with them the natural wonders of Assateague Island.

The staff and volunteers at the CNHA gift shop invite you to browse the new sales items in stock and be the first to sport our new tee and sweat shirts, look through our new books, and check out some new images of the Chincoteague Refuge. Also new this season will be our line of Assateague Lighthouse merchandise, including shirts, note cards, and Assateague Lighthouse Coffee and tea gift items.

If you are already a member of the CNHA or are considering joining us, we have several Member events planned for the spring season. If you will be visiting on Mother's Day weekend, this year, please visit the CNHA Hospitality tent at the International Migratory Bird Day celebration. Stop by to meet other members, our Board of Directors, enjoy some light refreshments, and learn about how the Chincoteague Natural History Association provides assistance to educational programs and services here on the Refuge.

Saturday, May 17, is CNHA Members Appreciation Day, and is also the day slated for our Annual Members Meeting. The meeting will be held at 9:30 AM in the Noah Williams Classroom in the Herbert Bateman Visitor's Center. All members of the CNHA are invited and encouraged to attend this meeting, which will be followed by a Members lunch. In addition, you may show your CNHA Membership card for FREE admission to the Assateague Lighthouse, and there is a half price admission for CNHA sponsored Wildlife Bus Tours on that day (advance reservations required). These special discounts are available only to CNHA members, so bring your membership card for admission or to receive your discounts.

As always, we look forward to meeting you and if you have questions about your membership, please give us a call at (757) 336-3696, or e mail us at cnha@verizon.net .

Beth