The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will hold a public meeting Thursday for anyone wishing to learn more about the project to re-introduce the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker to the refuge.

The meeting will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the refuge headquarters, 3100 Desert Road.

A 2006 conservation plan addressed the re-establishment of the red-cockaded woodpecker on the refuge. The woodpecker was last seen on the refuge in 1974. If it is successfully re-introduced, it would be the second breeding population in Virginia and would help protect the Virginia population against loss from catastrophic events like disease and storm.

The meeting is meant for anyone who wants to learn more, assist with the implementation or has questions or concerns. If you cannot attend the meeting but still would like to be involved or have questions, call 986-3705.