Western Sandpiper - Photo by Seth Honig
Join us September 8-10 in Chincoteague for one of VSO’s most popular field trips!
VERY Important! All VSO field trips are open to members at no charge. If you have not renewed your dues for 2023 or have not joined yet, you can RENEW or JOIN here!
TRIP REGISTRATION
Please register online HERE. The form gives you the option of signing up for one of the two boat trips, offered at 8:30am Saturday and Sunday (details below). If you have any questions, contact Meredith Bell, trip coordinator, at merandlee@gmail.com or 804-824-4958.
HEADQUARTERS
The Refuge Inn on Beach Road in Chincoteague will be the host hotel (800-544-8469 or 757-336-5511). Room rates for Friday and Saturday nights are $132 (plus tax) per night for a single or a double room, minimum two-night stay. For those arriving a day early or staying an extra day, the rate for Thursday and Sunday nights is $124 (plus tax). The Refuge Inn is non-smoking and no pets are allowed. Check-in time is 4:00pm, and check-out time is 11:00am. To assure the VSO rate, make reservations by August 11 and state you are with the VSO when you call.
NOTE: There is a one-week cancellation notice if you decide to cancel your reservation.
MEALS
The Refuge Inn offers a complimentary continental breakfast for guests. The night before, you’ll fill out a form with your order. For Saturday and Sunday, they will deliver all bags to the conference room by 6:30am for you to pick up. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
We’ll hold a Zoom call at 7:30pm to overview the weekend and have a special presentation by Jerry Via. We’ll record the call and send the link afterwards for those who can’t attend the live call.
BOAT TRIPS SATURDAY and SUNDAY (SEP 9 and 10) – ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
There will be two birding by boat trips on Saturday and Sunday at 8:30am. This is a two-hour trip with a local boat captain and his crew. You have a chance to check out the marshes and tidal flats up-close during the outgoing tide for interesting water birds and raptors. The fee per person is $35, and you will pay in cash after you board the boat (exact change please). Bring additional cash for tip (to crew) on the boat. Departure is from the Curtis Merritt Marina at the Sound end of Chincoteague Island, 2246 Curtis Merritt Lane. Arrive by 8:15am, 15 minutes before departure.
NOTE: You can sign up for both boat trips if you’d like. For some folks, this is their favorite part of the weekend!
FRIDAY, SEPT 8, 5-6PM MEET-AND-GREET
We will have a Meet-and-Greet Happy Hour from 5-6pm outside at the far end of the Refuge Inn lawn (on the pool side). Bring your own beverage and folding chair if you prefer to sit.
FIELD TRIPS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Field trips for the weekend will be offered Saturday morning and afternoon as well as Sunday morning. Advance registration for these trips is not required. Offerings will include the Island Nature Trail in Chincoteague, Woodland Trail, Marsh Trail on the Wildlife Loop, and the beach area. Details will be provided closer to the weekend.
SATURDAY EVENING
Weather permitting, we’ll have a tally of the day's species outdoors at 6:00pm, around the picnic tables at the far end of the Refuge Inn (on the pool side). You can bring a chair if you prefer not to sit at one of the tables.
OTHER LODGING IN THE AREA
If you’re unable to get a room at the Refuge Motor Inn, you may want to try these motels close by: Best Western (757-336-6557), Days Inn by Wyndham (757-336-1900) and Comfort Suites (757-336-3700).
For additional information about lodging and restaurant options, check out the Chincoteague town website: www.chincoteaguechamber.com