Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge [Paperback]

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge was created on July 7, 1938, when Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order to establish the Wheeler Migratory Waterfowl Refuge with a mission to serve as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.

The refuge was Alabamas first national wildlife refuge and the first national wildlife refuge to be an integral part of a man-made reservoir, encompassing part of Wheeler Lake, which was formed by the construction of Wheeler Dam by the Tennessee Valley Authority. In the ensuing years, the character of the land within the refuge boundaries changed. From eroded, barren fields arose thick stands of hardwoods and pines, lush wetlands, and shady sloughs that attracted huge flocks of ducks and geese. Beaver, deer, otters, and alligators returned. Today, the refuge is a haven of natural beauty surrounded by the trappings of modern society, attracting thousands of visitors who come to view the large numbers of ducks, geese, cranes, and other wildlife that inhabit the refuge.

Thomas V. Ress extensively researched images and historical reports from the archives of Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge and obtained images from the personal collections of refuge employees. He interviewed current and former refuge employees and draws upon his personal involvement with this extraordinary place.Thomas V. Ress, a lifelong outdoorsman, adventurer to each continent and prolific author for the Wall Street Journal, Alabama Heritage and others, presents an exceptionally well-researched and captivatingly written study. To illuminate how the refuge came to be, he draws upon total access to records and photographs, not to mention revered colleagues memories.Decatur Times-Daily