THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 5, 1994 TAG: 9406030250
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: SUFFOLK
DATELINE: 940605 LENGTH: Medium
There is a different view at every corner, deputy refuge manager Cynthia L. Britton said.
{REST} Britton, 32, took on her duties at the refuge in February. She had been working at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Beach.
She came to the Great Dismal Swamp because she likes the rural character and scenery of the 105,000-acre refuge.
``It's also unique in the sense that this refuge was established to preserve the unique swamp ecosystem - keeping logging and development out,'' Britton said.
Most refuges are established to protect habitat for migratory birds.
Although the refuge was established to preserve the ecosystem, Britton said it has not gone untouched.
``A lot of ditches were dug,'' she said. ``And that changes the water flow, which makes the swamp drier. And that changes the vegetation, which changes the swamp's wildlife use.''
Britton said her goal is to better understand the swamp's ecosystem.
``We need to study it, see what wildlife uses it and when,'' she said. ``The more we learn, the better we'll be able to keep it natural.''
Name: Cynthia L. Britton.
Hometown: Virginia Beach.
Birthdate: Jan. 25, 1962.
Nickname: Windy.
Occupation: Deputy refuge manager of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
Marital Status: Single.
Children: None.
Favorite movie: ``Gone With the Wind.''
Favorite magazine: ``Guideposts.''
A book you wish everyone would read, why? ``Love, Shame and Honor'' by Ernie Maddren, a good book written by a good man.
Favorite night out on the town: Dinner, watching bungee-jumping, walking on the beach and star gazing.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Mr. Jim's in Virginia Beach. It has good memories.
Favorite food and drink: Breyer's chocolate ice cream or mom's apple pie or anything with mom's gravy.
Few people know . . . that I get teary-eyed when people are kind to each other.
What's the best thing about yourself? A positive attitude and enjoying life.
Worst habit: Forgetting things.
First thing in the morning: Coffee!
Pets: Two cats.
Hobbies: Anything outdoors - canoeing, fishing, hiking, camping and boating.
Ideal vacation: Going on a mule-packing trip in the wilderness of north California.
Pet peeve: Seeing others treat people with disrespect and lack of consideration.
First job: Fast food restaurant.
Worst job: Fast food restaurant.
What achievements are you most proud of? Getting through college.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``Still wandering through the wild woods, but with no biting bugs.''
by CNB