This year marks 40 years that the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge has conserved and protected thousands of acres in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.  The refuge is the largest intact remnant of a vast habitat that once covered more than one million acres of the area. A unique history and partnership with The Nature Conservancy helped protect the resource in 1974.

“I can’t think of a better time to celebrate 40 years of the refuge and 40 years of partnerships than during National Wildlife Refuge Week,” said Chris Lowie, refuge manager at Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. “Through all of our efforts; past, present and future, we recognize the hard work it takes to protect, preserve, and manage the swamp for the benefit of the American people.”

In 1973, the Union Camp Corporation, a local forest-products company, donated 49,097 acres to The Nature Conservancy, which then donated land to the federal government. The donation, combined with additionally purchased land, was used to establish the refuge in 1974.

Now, the refuge encompasses 112,000 acres and provides a unique wildlife experience on Lake Drummond, one of only two natural lakes in Virginia, annual hunting opportunities and habitat for various species of mammals, birds and butterflies.

“Establishment of the refuge through the Union Camp donation was by all measures a milestone for wetland conservation in this country,” said Michael Lipford, Virginia executive director for The Nature Conservancy. “The Great Dismal Swamp is one of the nation’s iconic swamp forests and this acquisition spurred other wetland protection and restoration projects. The Conservancy is grateful to the Fish and Wildlife Service and all those who have contributed to preserving and restoring the swamp over the past 40 years.”   

 During the week of Oct. 12, the refuge will be celebrating 40 years of history and partnership with The Nature Conservancy with a refuge open house, guided tours and public interpretation and environmental education programs. For a complete list of events, please visit http://www.fws.gov/refuge/great_dismal_swamp/.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the web at www.nature.org.