By: Kim Betton, USFWS, Office of Public Affairs

It was an exciting day on May 17, 2010 during the groundbreaking for the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex at Wertheim NWR in Shirley, New York. The hard hats and shovels were all ready to go as the back drop of construction equipment helped to set the tone for the day and years to come.

The program included song and key messages from community, state, and federal officials.

T.J. Nickel & Associates, the company that won the bid of $7.3 million to construct the facility, was in attendance sharing how thankful they are for the contract and how the work will help to boost the local economy.

Congressman Timothy Bishop (D-NY) spoke to the crowd about the importance of the Recovery Act and its mission to save and create jobs across America.

Claire Goad, president of Friends of Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, also shared a sincere message expressing how thankful she is to know that the fruit of the labor is paying off.

“This is a day the Friends of Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge have been waiting for,” said Goad. “The Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex has so much to offer, and education is a major component. I thank all of the people who have worked so hard over the years to make this a reality.”

Another program highlight featured fourth grade students from the local Nathaniel Williams Elementary School who wrote haikus about the Long Island Pine Barrens, one of the complex’s habitats.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received $9.775 million in Recovery Act funding to construct the new 12,000–square-foot administrative and visitor center at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge. The new facility will serve as the headquarters for the nine national wildlife refuges located on Long Island, which protect some of the last remaining natural areas in the greater New York City metropolitan area.


Photos by Kim Betton, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Public Affairs

Originally posted 08/16/2010