Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge will host its first Fall Festival on Saturday.

This event is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., rain or shine, thanks to the Friends of Cherry Valley, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.This dedicated group is doing its best to protect and conserve the Cherry Creek, its watershed, numerous and sometimes rare plants and animals, and to help farmers maintain the open fields and forests to be enjoyed by future generations.Its mission is to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural resources, rural character and scenic beauty of the Cherry Valley area.Its goals are: to improve communication with homeowners, landowners and the community in general; protect open space and environmentally sensitive areas; strengthen the board to prepare future leaders; support the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge.Recently the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service acquired 90 more acres to become a part of the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge. It is the former Moreton property on Upper Smith Gap Road.You can get a first-hand look at this beautiful property at the Fall Festival. There will be free educational programs, nature walks, demonstrations, family fun activities like fishing, archery, pumpkin painting, bird feeder and bird house building, making apple cider and more.To learn more or for directions, call 570-460-0463 or email

questions@focv.org or visit the website at

www.friendsofcherryvalley.com.