ST. MARKS, Fla. (WTXL) - The government has been partially shut down for 12 days so far and it's unclear when it will end.
That uncertainty is affecting several national parks across the country and locally at the Saint Marks Wildlife Refuge.
The partial government shutdown brings a temporary end to services and programs at the Wildlife Refuge, but the sanctuary is still open.
Vistors are asked to pay their entrance fees at a self-serve kiosk, instead of paying at the gate to an employee.
And the good news, there were once reports of the bin being over flowed with donations.
Another change includes the visitor center, normally open seven days a week, is now closed. The same goes for the education building, which hosts classes for those who enjoy the wildlife.
We spoke to one couple who said they are thankful that people still fund the refuge even during the government shutdown.
"I think its the only chance that we really have now to let our children and grandchildren and other generations to really see what we grow up with, what we know and what our world was like and all the adventures that we could have," said Roland Fisch and Susan Nugent, frequent visitors of Wildlife Refuges. "And if we keep these places then they will know all the places that we once had."
Roland and Susan add that they both have the national park pass, but they still wanted to donate $5.
