Take a Trip to Where the Wild Things Are

On Oct. 7-13, hug a natural habitat. During this week, friends of flora and fauna will celebrate Natural Wildlife Refuge Week, which focuses on the protected areas (548 nationwide) and their recreational uses, such as photography and environmental education. The National Wildlife Refuge System protects nearly 97 million acres, including chunks of open space within a two-hour drive of Washington. Here are seven nearby refuges -- one for each day of the special week -- and some of the activities they are hosting during this period. -- Andrea Sachs

1. Bombay Hook NW R (Smyrna, Del.)

The 15,978-acre area is a bird magnet, but it also attracts muskrats, river otters, etc. Explore the refuge by car on a 12-mile loop road or by foot on any of five nature trails.

Between Oct. 13 and Nov. 2, the park will hold the Family Nature Scavenger Photograph Search Challenge; the first 50 families to follow all 10 clues and photograph themselves at each site win a free annual pass to the refuge. Also on Oct. 13, entomologist Michael Higgins discusses the life of pollinators.

Info: 302-653-6872, http://www.fws.gov/northeast/bombayhook. Admission $4 per car, $2 per pedestrian.

2. John Heinz NWR at Tinicum (Philadelphia)

Fox, deer, turtles, frogs and other creatures run -- or hop or creep -- through the 1,200-acre space one mile from the Philadelphia airport. In addition to service roads and boardwalks accessible to hikers, visitors can canoe a 4.5-mile portion of Darby Creek.

During refuge week, the park will host a variety of bird- and flower-related events, such as a beginning birding class (Oct. 7) and a bird walk (Oct. 13).

Info: 215-365-3118, http://www.fws.gov/northeast/heinz. Free.

3. Blackwater NWR (Cambridge, Md.)

The Eastern Shore refuge covers more than 27,000 acres. Waterfowl roost in the tidal marshes, and such species as the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel inhabit the evergreen and deciduous forests. Nature-viewing options include three- and six-mile Wildlife Drive bike loops, two interpretive hiking trails and three paddling routes.

The refuge holds its 12th annual open house Oct. 6; activities include bird walks, puppet shows and live animal exhibits.