Hello, my name is Josh Salwey, and I am a HAF intern for Vsitor Services at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge In Trempealeau, Wisconsin. This past week our refuge was celebrating Latino Conservation Week. During the week, our refuge set up a school group from Arcadia, Wisconsin, to visit and learn about the history of Trempealeau and the Wildlife Refuge system.
Here our goal was to engage the students to get excited about the outdoors and nature conservation. We did multiple activities, like an animal guessing game, where we gave the students a description of the animal, such as eating habits and characteristics. Using the grant provided by HAF for Latino Conservation Week, I made birding kits that we gave to the students which included: a birding guide, binoculars, compass, and a reptile and amphibians guide. This would allow students to continue exploring the outdoors after they visit the refuge. We then went on to teach students the basics of birding, where they learned how to identify birds from their shape, coloration, and calls. We then went on a nature walk where students could apply the skills they had just learned and try birding for themselves. The students had a great time using their birding kits for our hike and enjoying the outdoors at Trempealeau. We hope that we made a good connection with the students and that they will return with their family and friends to Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge to enjoy the outdoors. I have enjoyed my summer here at Trempealeau, interacting with the public and working with school groups with environmental education programs.
Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Program: US Fish & Wildlife Service
Location: Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
