junior refuge manager

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The Junior Refuge Manager program run by the Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Junior Refuge Manager
Page 2: Junior Refuge Manager

• LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS by Richard Louv discussed at a Second Sunday program.

• One of the participants suggested that the Friends should do more to get children outside.

Page 3: Junior Refuge Manager

PROCESS Discovery Den Members

began to conceptualize the format

Program would take place at our Wildlife Observation Center (WOC)

The goal was to encourage children to be more observant and to learn how to journal.

Page 4: Junior Refuge Manager

REFUGE SUPPORT

• Once the concept and basic approach were established, needed buy in from Refuge management.

• They loved the idea and submitted a grant request for $5000 to support the project.

• The grant provided money to have the final booklets printed, covered the cost of training by a Refuge biologist for one day, 2 scopes, and 10 back packs.– Books/literature– Binoculars– Magnifying glass– Frog calls

Page 5: Junior Refuge Manager

BOOK DEVELOPMENT

• Team identified what would be covered in the book– Frogs -Invertebrates– Snakes -Birds– Turtles -Trees– Use of magnifying glass and binoculars– Information on Great Swamp NWR and the Refuge

System– Intended to have child complete in 2 or more visits

Page 6: Junior Refuge Manager

VOLUNTEER TRAINING

• A Refuge Biologist provided a full day of training on Reptiles & Amphibians.

• Program well attended and trainees received a pin that can be worn on vest.

• Additional training on Invertebrates scheduled for this year.

• The volunteer’s roll is to point out wildlife and to discuss the various questions if child needs assistance.

Page 7: Junior Refuge Manager

PROGRAM LAUNCHED

• Program rolled out in Spring

• Table set up at WOC with books, magnifiers, pencil for each child.

• Volunteers position themselves at various locations on the boardwalk.

Page 8: Junior Refuge Manager

IMPLEMENTATION

• A child can fill out the book as they go along

• Parents are encouraged to help their children if needed

• Some children take the books home to fill out the answers.

Page 9: Junior Refuge Manager
Page 10: Junior Refuge Manager

COMPLETION

• Each page of the booklet is signed off by a volunteer

• When the booklet is completed, the child recites a pledge

• Receives a badge and a gift certificate for $5 at the Nature Shop to buy a Field Guide.

Page 11: Junior Refuge Manager

A NEW JUNIOR REFUGE MANAGER“I promise to respect the

animals and plants of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and all other refuges and parks, to continue to learn about wildlife and nature, and to protect the habitats of wildlife for future generations”