Written by Carey Goss, Malheur NWR Wildlife Refuge Specialist
Photos by Janelle Wicks & Jill Bachman, Friends of Malheur NWR Staff
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is committed to conserving natural resources. We believe that one of the key components to conservation is working with youth, the next generation of land and wildlife stewards. The Refuge’s environmental education program seeks to engage youth through hands-on interpretation and education experiences.
In meeting this goal, Malheur Refuge staff and partners offer a variety of programs that connect youth from kindergarten through 5th grade to the outdoors. “Education can make a difference ensuring that future generations can enjoy our natural world and the incredible species that live within it.” said Wildlife Refuge Specialist Carey Goss.
For the past 20 years, Goss has been coordinating with local elementary schools to provide a full day of educational activities in an outdoor setting right at Refuge Headquarters. The programs focus on educating about conservation of wildlife while meeting grade specific learning standards.
“Teaching about conservation of wildlife supports students growth,” Goss said. “When kids learn about the importance of protecting wildlife habitat and challenges wildlife face, like habitat loss, they want to protect and take care of their natural environment.”
The Refuge’s school field trip programs reach over 140 students annually. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of the schools and the help of staff, Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, and volunteers. Additionally, Goss coordinates getting the annual Artist in Residence Program into every elementary school classroom each spring in advance of the Harney County Migratory Bird Festival. These programs together help to build an understanding of the Refuge’s presence and purpose with local youth. That understanding leads to a deeper curiosity and, we hope, a future generation of conservation stewards.
Malheur hopes to continue to build and connect with youth. The idea that education can be a bridge to spread knowledge to help protect wildlife and their natural environment is one of the Refuge’s goals and upmost importance.
