Rotarians visit Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Members of the Rotary Club of Cambridge held their weekly meeting at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Tom Miller with visitor services spoke to the rotarians about the history of the refuge and the work that is being done to help protect not only the wildlife, but the environment.

He told the group about the changes in the water levels and marshlands which have made it difficult to protect the birds and animals that call the refuge home.

He said they not only work with the wildlife that stays at the refuge all year but also have a large population of migratory animals.

Miller spent time talking about the effects of erosion and lost land. Using a large map on the wall in the lobby, he was able to show the various changes which made it easier to understand what they are dealing with in their operation.

After sharing information, Miller took the rotarians to the second floor observation room. Equipped with telescopes, the guests were able to look over the Blackwater landscape. A beautiful facility, the visitors center has gone undergone a number of remodeling changes over the years, making it more beneficial for the tourists coming the refuge.

Miller is a native of Florida, where he graduated from the University of Florida in 1995 with a bachelor of science degree in wildlife ecology. Working in the field in Florida and Virginia Beach, he began service as a ranger at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in 2001. Currently he works primarily in the field of visitor services and outreach.