Assateague Island Lighthouse Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

With more than 14,000 acres of beach, dune, marsh, and maritime forest habitats, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge provides a vital resting and feeding area for millions of migratory birds. One of the most popular destinations within the National Wildlife Refuge System, this refuge situated mainly on Virginia's Assateage Island, protects a variety of wildlife and plant species, some of them endangered or threatened. Through her striking color photography, Irene Hinke-Sacilotto reveals the glory of the refuge's diverse habitats and the many creatures that dwell within. Reader's of all ages will enjoy this visual journey into the ecological treasure that is Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Assateague, a sandy, marshy, and swamp-like land off the coast of the Delmarva Peninsula, is a paradise to beach lovers, bird watchers, photographers, hunters, and fishermen. Native Americans, the first visitors, found an abundant supply of waterfowl, fish, and shellfish for hunting and fishing. Assateague was patented in 1687, and early settlers farmed, raised livestock, cut timber, and had salt works. The construction of the Assateague Lighthouse in 1833 encouraged the growth of the village. In 1875, the US Life Saving station was established. The men of the area worked on the water fishing, clamming, and oystering or worked for one of the fish factories or the two government agencies. Villagers migrated from the area lured by amenities on Chincoteague, the effect of the purchase of land surrounding the village, and the automation of the lighthouse. The US Fish and Wildlife Service purchased the island in 1943 as a national wildlife refuge.

The timeless classic and beloved story of a wild horse’s gentle filly—winner of a Newbery Honor! On the island of Chincoteague, off the coasts of Virginia and Maryland, lives a centuries-old band of wild ponies. Among them is the most mysterious of all, Phantom, a rarely-seen mare that eludes all efforts to capture her—that is, until a young boy and girl lay eyes on her and determine that they can’t live without her. The frenzied roundup that follows on the next Pony Penning Day does indeed bring Phantom into their lives, in a way they never would have suspected. Phantom would forever be a creature of the wild. But her gentle, loyal filly Misty is another story altogether . . . “A thrilling and long-to-be-remembered tale.” —San Francisco Chronicle

A celebration of the great American lighthouses, their keepers, their histories, and their ongoing stories For more than two centuries, lighthouses have helped sailors find their way through treacherous waters, guiding them home or taking them safely through passages on their way to adventure. These historic towers and houses form a sparkling chain of lights along our coasts, a reminder of the past echoing with adventure and mystery, a lure for travelers looking for a glimpse into a romantic past. Completely revised and updated, American Lighthouses offers more than just a tour of 450 beautiful and historic navigational beacons dotting the coasts and lakes of the United States. This fully illustrated, one-of-a-kind handbook details their history and architecture and provides full information on visiting or viewing them. Included are many endangered lights, threatened by erosion or lack of funding, as well as “ghost lights,” which are no longer standing.

Discusses the history and industries of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands and explores the variety of things to see and do on these islands.