Join Us On the Journey
As a child growing up in Virginia Beach, there was never a shortage of fun things to do. Beach, bay, or backyard, the best times were those spent goofing off in nature. Young imaginations found a place to run wild and free in the great outdoors.
A favorite activity involved investigating insects. My friends and I pretended we were master entomologists on a mission.
We’d silently sneak up on our unsuspecting specimens, and with the stealth, speed, and agility rivaled only by ninjas, we’d close in for the capture.
We discovered old mason jars made pretty nifty terrariums, and that the stuff of nature – twigs, grass, leaves, and flowers – made superb stuffing.
Once our handheld habitats were complete, all that remained was to loll on the grass and settle in for the show.
White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hummingbird Moth) photo by Ron Dudley
We marveled at moths as they unfurled their long proboscis. We watched in wonder as lightning bugs blinked fluorescent Morse code messages to one another.
Bumblebees, beetles, and butterflies kept us entertained better than any Saturday morning cartoon ever could.
Quite simply, we were buggy for bugs.
Fortunately for our captive cast of characters, no creepy crawlies were allowed to spend the night.
Our parents made us abide by the “catch and release” rule. All fuzzy friends were free to fly away well before bedtime.
The coolest thing was when one of us nabbed a caterpillar or stumbled upon a chrysalis.
How utterly astounding that a plump, multi-legged arthropod could spin a silken sheath around itself and later emerge as a vibrant, colorful butterfly!
Black Swallowtail caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly “raised” by my sister, Margaret
Peering at the delicate, chartreuse casing of a chrysalis as it shivered and shook, I couldn’t help but wonder what in the world was going on in there.
I learned that the hidden creature within was wrestling and wriggling and working out its very transformation towards new life.
It was undergoing metamorphosis, an incredible feat of nature.
Metamorphosis:
1. the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages
2. a noticeable change in character, appearance, function, or condition
Metamorphosis is an amazing thing. It isn’t just about the beginning and the end; it’s also about the journey an organism takes to get there – the process of becoming something new, different, and remarkable, while still maintaining the essence of its original and unique form.
Beauty and Balance
Reflecting on the amazing transformation from caterpillar to butterfly made me think about how Virginia Beach has had its fair share of change over the decades. In more ways than one, we’ve grown up quite a bit.
In similar fashion, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge has undergone its own metamorphosis, too.
The tides of time have brought numerous changes to “Back Bay”, and along the way, the Refuge has matured gracefully in the ebb and flow.
One thing has remained constant, however: the dedication and support of people who care deeply about Back Bay and the Refuge.
Organizations such as Back Bay Restoration Foundation, Friends of Back Bay, Lynnhaven River NOW, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and False Cape State Park have played a big part in the improvements seen at Back Bay, and by extension in many cases, the Refuge. The U.S. Navy and the City of Virginia Beach have also been involved in several different projects.
Refuge staff, volunteers, and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society, the official Friends group of the Refuge, remain committed to the protection, conservation, and enhancement of the natural resources within the Refuge.
Recently, the Society has completed trail work with Refuge interns and volunteers, and osprey nest platforms have been erected.
In addition, attractive new signage and Chronolog photo stations have been installed.
Visitors are encouraged to stop at the Chronolog stations, snap a picture, and email their photo to the address on the sign.
One of the Chronolog photo stations
Once emailed, the photos become part of a time lapse, displaying the chronology of various vistas throughout the Refuge.
To find out more about Chronolog at the Refuge, visit: https://www.chronolog.io/project/BKB.
More and more people are finding their way to the Refuge. During the pandemic, visitation doubled from the previous year! Even with the increased attendance, the Refuge’s wide open spaces allow for plenty of elbow room, and it rarely feels crowded.
Stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking are fun pastimes at the Refuge
Now, more than ever, people long for a place where they can step away from the demands of life and immerse themselves in the beauty and simplicity of nature.
Whether it’s biking or hiking the trails, fishing or kayaking the waterways, or simply being still and enjoying a contemplative moment, the Refuge rejuvenates and restores at the same time.
Beautiful vistas, fresh ocean air, outstanding birdwatching, and spectacular sunsets beckon.
There’s truly something for everyone.
Roseate Spoonbill photo by BBNWR Society member Reese Lukei
The Journey Continues
Lots of opportunities await for continued positive growth and transformation at the Refuge.
The Society has several projects underway, and support is needed.
One such project involves helping pollinators.
Lately, we’ve been hearing more and more about these important animals and their role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Examples of pollinators are bees, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, birds, bats, and small mammals.
Wasps are important pollinators. Photo by BBNWR Society member Reese Lukei
Some scientists estimate that one out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of pollinators. Unfortunately, pollinators are in trouble. The main causes of decline in their populations are habitat loss, pesticide use, disease, and parasites. But there are ways we can help.
How to Help
The Refuge staff along with BBNWR Society recognize the critical role that pollinators play, and have identified several areas around the Visitor Center that would benefit from having pollinator gardens.
Conceptual renderings of future pollinator gardens on west side (above) and north side (below) of Visitor Center at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Renderings created by Trista Imrich, Landscape Designer and owner of Wild Works of Whimsy.
Finished gardens will look slightly different from photo mock-ups.
Not only will these gardens provide aesthetic value to the Refuge, but beneficial plants will be incorporated to support pollinators and educate the public of the symbiotic relationship between plants and animals.
Volunteers are needed to help establish these gardens; no experience is required. The first phase of the project is starting soon.
Please contact Charlie Ellin at Charlie.ellin@gmail.com for more information on ways you can help.
It’s critical that Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge remains a place of sanctuary, protection, beauty, and relaxation for many generations to come, not just for the wildlife and ecosystem, but for people, too.
The Society is looking for like-minded people to continue the ongoing and important work of the Refuge.
Won’t you join us on the journey?
To find out more about becoming a member of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society or to make a donation, please visit: https://backbaynwrsociety.org/membership/.
Until next time,
See you down at the Refuge!
The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote and support Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (BBNWR) in its mission to conserve, protect, and enhance natural resources; through advocacy, outreach, education, fund raising, and projects for the betterment of BBNWR. The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society depends on donations to fund programs and projects that directly support the Refuge.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge abuzz with new projects and opportunities
Leave a Comment
Posted: August 16, 2021 by Back Bay NWR Society
Join Us On the Journey
As a child growing up in Virginia Beach, there was never a shortage of fun things to do. Beach, bay, or backyard, the best times were those spent goofing off in nature. Young imaginations found a place to run wild and free in the great outdoors.
A favorite activity involved investigating insects. My friends and I pretended we were master entomologists on a mission.
We’d silently sneak up on our unsuspecting specimens, and with the stealth, speed, and agility rivaled only by ninjas, we’d close in for the capture.
We discovered old mason jars made pretty nifty terrariums, and that the stuff of nature – twigs, grass, leaves, and flowers – made superb stuffing.
Once our handheld habitats were complete, all that remained was to loll on the grass and settle in for the show.
White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hummingbird Moth) photo by Ron Dudley
We marveled at moths as they unfurled their long proboscis. We watched in wonder as lightning bugs blinked fluorescent Morse code messages to one another.
Bumblebees, beetles, and butterflies kept us entertained better than any Saturday morning cartoon ever could.
Quite simply, we were buggy for bugs.
Our parents made us abide by the “catch and release” rule. All fuzzy friends were free to fly away well before bedtime.
The coolest thing was when one of us nabbed a caterpillar or stumbled upon a chrysalis.
How utterly astounding that a plump, multi-legged arthropod could spin a silken sheath around itself and later emerge as a vibrant, colorful butterfly!
Black Swallowtail caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly “raised” by my sister, Margaret
Peering at the delicate, chartreuse casing of a chrysalis as it shivered and shook, I couldn’t help but wonder what in the world was going on in there.
I learned that the hidden creature within was wrestling and wriggling and working out its very transformation towards new life.
It was undergoing metamorphosis, an incredible feat of nature.
Metamorphosis:
1. the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages
2. a noticeable change in character, appearance, function, or condition
Metamorphosis is an amazing thing. It isn’t just about the beginning and the end; it’s also about the journey an organism takes to get there – the process of becoming something new, different, and remarkable, while still maintaining the essence of its original and unique form.
Beauty and Balance
Reflecting on the amazing transformation from caterpillar to butterfly made me think about how Virginia Beach has had its fair share of change over the decades. In more ways than one, we’ve grown up quite a bit.
In similar fashion, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge has undergone its own metamorphosis, too.
The tides of time have brought numerous changes to “Back Bay”, and along the way, the Refuge has matured gracefully in the ebb and flow.
One thing has remained constant, however: the dedication and support of people who care deeply about Back Bay and the Refuge.
Organizations such as Back Bay Restoration Foundation, Friends of Back Bay, Lynnhaven River NOW, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and False Cape State Park have played a big part in the improvements seen at Back Bay, and by extension in many cases, the Refuge. The U.S. Navy and the City of Virginia Beach have also been involved in several different projects.
Refuge staff, volunteers, and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society, the official Friends group of the Refuge, remain committed to the protection, conservation, and enhancement of the natural resources within the Refuge.
Recently, the Society has completed trail work with Refuge interns and volunteers, and osprey nest platforms have been erected.
In addition, attractive new signage and Chronolog photo stations have been installed.
Visitors are encouraged to stop at the Chronolog stations, snap a picture, and email their photo to the address on the sign.
One of the Chronolog photo stations
Once emailed, the photos become part of a time lapse, displaying the chronology of various vistas throughout the Refuge.
To find out more about Chronolog at the Refuge, visit: https://www.chronolog.io/project/BKB.
More and more people are finding their way to the Refuge. During the pandemic, visitation doubled from the previous year! Even with the increased attendance, the Refuge’s wide open spaces allow for plenty of elbow room, and it rarely feels crowded.
Stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking are fun pastimes at the Refuge
Now, more than ever, people long for a place where they can step away from the demands of life and immerse themselves in the beauty and simplicity of nature.
Whether it’s biking or hiking the trails, fishing or kayaking the waterways, or simply being still and enjoying a contemplative moment, the Refuge rejuvenates and restores at the same time.
Beautiful vistas, fresh ocean air, outstanding birdwatching, and spectacular sunsets beckon.
There’s truly something for everyone.
Roseate Spoonbill photo by BBNWR Society member Reese Lukei
The Journey Continues
Lots of opportunities await for continued positive growth and transformation at the Refuge.
The Society has several projects underway, and support is needed.
One such project involves helping pollinators.
Lately, we’ve been hearing more and more about these important animals and their role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Examples of pollinators are bees, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, birds, bats, and small mammals.
Wasps are important pollinators. Photo by BBNWR Society member Reese Lukei
Some scientists estimate that one out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of pollinators. Unfortunately, pollinators are in trouble. The main causes of decline in their populations are habitat loss, pesticide use, disease, and parasites. But there are ways we can help.
How to Help
The Refuge staff along with BBNWR Society recognize the critical role that pollinators play, and have identified several areas around the Visitor Center that would benefit from having pollinator gardens.
Conceptual renderings of future pollinator gardens on west side (above) and north side (below) of Visitor Center at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Renderings created by Trista Imrich, Landscape Designer and owner of Wild Works of Whimsy.
Finished gardens will look slightly different from photo mock-ups.
Not only will these gardens provide aesthetic value to the Refuge, but beneficial plants will be incorporated to support pollinators and educate the public of the symbiotic relationship between plants and animals.
Volunteers are needed to help establish these gardens; no experience is required. The first phase of the project is starting soon.
Please contact Charlie Ellin at Charlie.ellin@gmail.com for more information on ways you can help.
It’s critical that Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge remains a place of sanctuary, protection, beauty, and relaxation for many generations to come, not just for the wildlife and ecosystem, but for people, too.
The Society is looking for like-minded people to continue the ongoing and important work of the Refuge.
Won’t you join us on the journey?
To find out more about becoming a member of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society or to make a donation, please visit: https://backbaynwrsociety.org/membership/.
Until next time,
See you down at the Refuge!
The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote and support Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (BBNWR) in its mission to conserve, protect, and enhance natural resources; through advocacy, outreach, education, fund raising, and projects for the betterment of BBNWR. The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society depends on donations to fund programs and projects that directly support the Refuge.
Share this:
Category: News & Articles