Since the rivers flowed down and seasonally flooded this great valley, millions of waterfowl have come to spend their winter here. The precious wetlands in Merced County continue to provide needed habitat for many species of waterfowl. When humans first came to live in this county, the pursuit of ducks and geese became a popular activity. This fascinating history and legacy is being told in an exhibit entitled, "Waterfowl Heritage of Merced County." This exhibit is a collaboration of the Waterfowl Heritage Exhibit Committee and the Courthouse Museum and will open on Thursday, September 25. At the opening, Ron Davenport, Phil Favier, Charlie Galatro, Charles Sawyer, Candace Sigmond, Steve Simmons, Veronica Woodruff, and Gary Zahm will share their knowledge of the duck hunting history, wetland and grassland preservation, and the art of decoy carving. It will run thru January 31, 2009. For more information, please contact the museum office at (209) 723-2401.