Wildlife Preserves

Introduction

Have you ever wondered where the birds in your winter yard go when springtime arrives, how animals survive arctic winters, where sea turtles lay their eggs, or what the largest bird in the United States looks like? Find the answers to these and other fascinating wildlife questions as you read and ponder the lessons in "Our National Wildlife Treasures." This course will also guide you to other internet websites for your future exploration, pique your curiosity about wildlife preserves near your home, give you a list of resource books, expand your nature vocabulary, and provide a forum for discussions on how our native wildlife species and their habitats can be protected for future generations.

Many people are familiar with our National Parks System operated by the U.S. Department of the Interior, but know little about our system of national wildlife refuges. The first national park was reserved in 1872 in the Wyoming and Montana territories, with geysers, crystal clear hot pools, mudpots, steaming creeks, a grand waterfall, lakes, and wildlife as its showpieces. Now Yellowstone National Park is so loved by visitors from all over the world that the roads and other facilities are clogged with vehicles and people, while the wildlife mostly retreats to the quieter areas of the park accessible only on foot or horseback. Many of our other national parks suffer from the same affliction. This was not the ultimate scenario envisioned by the artist George Catlin, who wanted to see large areas of the west preserved as parks "in all the wild freshness of their nature’s beauty."

The National Wildlife Refuge System was created with a goal in mind that is more in line with Catlin’s desire – that of protecting habitats for use by their native species rather than as playgrounds for humans. Our ability to enjoy those habitats and species is a secondary benefit. The first area designated as a national wildlife refuge was 5-acre Pelican Island off the coast of Florida, and until this year, it could be explored only by boat, canoe, or kayak.

Although wildlife refuges are generally open to the public, little effort has been made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to attract large numbers of visitors. There are no grand hotels, restaurants, or tour buses serving the 93 million acres and 575 refuges or management districts located all over the United States. In 2003, however, the National Wildlife Refuge System celebrates its 100th year, and an attempt will be made to spotlight and strengthen the agency’s programs. The historic Pelican Island refuge will feature a new observation tower and boardwalk trail on the original dedicated tract to host centennial visitors. The 4,995 acres later added to the refuge will still lie quietly in the sun, fulfilling the promise Congress made to provide a home there for native birds.

Get a head start on the celebration of our national conservation effort. Learn about our amazing wildlife heritage right here at SuiteU.

National Wildlife Refuge System Poster

Lessons

Click here to see course syllabus