Going Wild For 80 Years! Help Us Celebrate the Birthday and Learn About the History of the Refuge!

Help Us Celebrate the 80th Birthday

of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

Schedule for the Day:

8:00 Bird Walk

10:00 Ferns of Texas: Why the Lone Star State is So Diverse with George Diggs

11:30 Coffee, Cake and a Game with Ranger Beard

12:00 The History of Hagerman NWR with Mary Istre, Acting Deputy Refuge Manager

Step back in time with Mary Istre, Acting Deputy Refuge Manager, as she explores 80 years of conservation at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. Using historic photographs and engaging stories, Mary will bring to life the people, decisions, and defining moments that shaped the refuge’s landscapes and wildlife. You’ll also discover how lessons from the past continue to guide conservation efforts today—and why this history matters more than ever.

Mary Istre has spent 15 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, serving as the Southwest Region’s regional oil and gas specialist. She is currently the Acting Deputy Refuge Manager at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, bringing extensive experience in energy, conservation, and collaborative resource management.

Registration is not necessary—all are welcome! But if any of these programs spark your curiosity, signing up will get you a friendly reminder three days beforehand. You’ll also receive our once-a-month Featherless Flyer newsletter—no email overload, and it’s easy to unsubscribe anytime.