Page 23 - Leisure Living Magazine May 2016

Volunteers Ensure Conservation
Success At Ottawa National
Wildlife Refuge
By Justin Woldt, Visitor Services Manager
Volunteers are integral to the success of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Those who are passion- ate about the environment can become ambassa- dors for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service while volunteering at the refuge and community events. There are great opportunities for everyone at Ot- tawa and new volunteers are always needed!
Talents and desires are matched with refuge needs for everyone’s benefit. Individuals who love to interact with others staff the visitor center front desk, lead nature hikes, and present slide-shows. Volunteers who enjoy wildlife observation serve as citizen scientists and conduct wildlife surveys or monitor and maintain bird nesting boxes. Na- ture photographers volunteer their time to doc- ument wildlife on the refuge and photograph programs and events. Volunteers with construc- tion skills help maintain trail structures, such as bridges, observation platforms, and signs. Avid gardeners put their skills to use in habitat resto- ration, where they help refuge staff remove inva- sive species and plant native perennials.
Close to 100 volunteers assist refuge staff throughout the year. Some volunteer weekly, oth- ers monthly, and some assist staff once or twice a year during special events. There are even vol- unteers who travel from out of state every spring when Ottawa is busy during birding season. In addition to giving back to the community, vol- unteers enjoy the socialization and camaraderie with other volunteers and refuge staff. Visit the website (www.fws.gov/refuge/ottawa) and click on “Get Involved” to learn more.
Volunteer Sam greets visitors at the front desk.
Volunteers build an observation platform.
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