Finding out new things and getting your feet wet drew crowds of families to the Seventh Annual Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Open House Saturday September 8.

With nets provided by the Preserve kids could explore Delegan Pond in Camp Saratoga for aquatic specimens and fauna. Naturally, getting the best specimens meant doffing shoes and sneakers to wade into the pond.

Specimens were stored in large container for inspection before later release back into the pond.

Beth Bidwell of the Wildlife Institute of Eastern New York brought her raptors, owls, turtles and the rat snake which can climb trees.

Beth let the snake do a little climbing just to show how the snake does it.

Nature walks showed families the habitat of the blue Karner butterfly which the Preserve is dedicated to removing from the Endangered Species List.

Wilton Boy Scout Troop #24 supported the Open House with barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs and sodas for sale.

Sarah Clarkin, Preserve director, had the pleasure of

introducing the community to the new headquarters of the

Preserve.

The rustic restored wood-sided building is just up the road toward Route 50 on the other side of the railroad tracks. Along with the building with its impressive handicap ramp for accessibility is a refurbished storage shed for Preserve equipment.

Mike Russo representing Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand who has obtained funding for the Preserve joined Board members and Supervisor Art Johnson in inspecting the new headquarters. The ramp is awesome - and Sarah invites the community to visit the new headquarters.

She would also to ask anyone interested in supporting the educational and community projects of the Preserve to call her at 587-1939 Ext 220.

She says volunteers and volunteer leaders are essential for carrying the mission of the Preserve of conserving ecological systems and natural settings while providing education and

recreational experiences.