The Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge at Lake Texoma plays a vital ecological role in supporting plant and animal wildlife. Catherine Van Bebber will share the history and importance of the 13,000-acre haven at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 10, at the Allen Public Library.

Admission is free and the program will be streamed live on ACTV. Find viewing options at Watch ACTV or view online at ACTV.org or YouTube.com/AllenCityTV.

There are numerous ways the Refuge supports animal habitats and survival success. One striking example is that 300 to 500 hundred acres are sown with wheat annually. This wheat attracts geese by the thousands as they arrive from their northern breeding grounds. These winter “snowbird” residents feed on refuge-grown grain that prepares them for spring migration to their summer breeding grounds. The Refuge is home to    46 species of mammals and 338 species of birds.

Catherine serves as a tour guide, bluebird Nestbox monitor, and training coordinator. She observes, “Every time I visit Hagerman it brings solace to my soul; it is a wonderful feeling to be in nature.” 

The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr. Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.