By Greg Forester, Staff Writer
Bird-watching enthusiasts who frequent the Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge off West Drive now have a better view of their favorite birds thanks to a new observation platform, which will be officially dedicated April 25.
The 9 a.m. event, organized by The Friends of the Charles Rogers Wildlife Refuge, will feature a ceremony on an observation platform in the center of the refuge, which is bordered by the Stony Brook and the Institute Woods, of the Institute for Advanced Study.
A bird walk is also planned.
The platforms provide birders with an elevated view of the 39-acre refuge, over reeds and other brush that block views of the marshes and wetlands that provide such an attractive environment for many birds.
The township, which maintains the refuge and conducts trash collection, recently completed work on a pumping system, a natural dam, and other issues. The marsh relies on a pump system to maintain a constant water level, although periods of heavy rain and flooding usually result in a stable body of water in the refuge.
The pump has been restored to working order, according to Fred Spar, of The Friends of the Charles Rogers Wildlife Refuge.
Some birds that have been seen in the refuge recently include wood ducks, a great blue heron, an American egret, and an osprey.
Many are attracted by the abundance of food in the refuge, like the frogs that populate the wetlands, Mr. Spar said.
The parcel of land that makes up the refuge was originally provided by a water company as a conservation easement to the township Environmental Commission in 1968. The tract was renamed the Charles H. Rogers Wildlife Refuge in 1977, honoring Mr. Rogers, a wildlife photographer and ornithologist who played an important role in sanctuary’s creation.
The April 25 ceremony will honor the Washington Crossing Audubon Society.
The Pennington-based organization provided grants to fund the new platform and an ecological assessment of the refuge.
James Donahue, a local carpenter, built the other platform years ago in a donation of labor to the refuge.
”The refuge really is a community project,” said Mr. Spar. “(It relies heavily) on the cooperation of people in the community.”
Participants interested in attending the event are encouraged to register by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
Refreshments will be served.
[email protected]

