Sonny Fanning represents the goals of the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Association that is planning a big birthday party next year.

The party is not for the non-profit friends group but for the refuge, which turns 70 next year.

Mr. Fanning was one of the first resident volunteers at Wheeler. While the program is not new nationwide, it began last year at Wheeler.

From Madison County, he'd never paid much attention to the refuge's Visitor Center on Alabama 67.

"I had come by this place many, many times and never stopped. When I finally did, I ended up staying three months," Mr. Fanning said, recently about the resident program.

Another resident volunteer couple are camped at the center where they do a variety of jobs in exchange for a place to set up their camper.

Lee and Judy Bransford like their new home.

Next fall's birthday celebration will be to highlight the natural beauty and animal sanctuary in the 34,500-acre refuge that borders the Tennessee River.

The refuge is one of this area's greatest assets and more people need to feel at home there, even if they don't own a camper and are not semi-retired like the Bransfords.

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