Junior Wildlife Ranger Program Begins at HNWR
By Jean Flick

Hagerman NWR has joined forces with the Junior Wildlife Ranger program, a project of the Earth Island Institute. The goal of the program is to encourage kids to get outside and get involved with nature. To receive a Junior Wildlife Ranger badge, children complete the HNWR Nature Journal, which involves participation in activities such as identifying animal tracks, completing a nature scavenger hunt, and finding birds. After the completed Nature Journal is reviewed by staff or volunteers at the Visitor Center, the badge is awarded.

Started in 2013 as Junior Refuge Rangers, the program is expanding, with refuges in four states currently participating and others starting soon. The online platform  (juniorwildliferanger.org) allows kids and families to learn about the National Wildlife Refuge system and check out locations where they can earn badges, and, more importantly, learn about wildlife and conservation. An interactive map takes kids to refuge spotlights, including a spotlight of Hagerman NWR (http://www.juniorwildliferanger.org/hagerman-profile.html)

Last year, more than 2000 children participated in guided hikes at HNWR through school field trips and other scheduled events. Many more visit the refuge with family. Courtney Anderson, a refuge biologist, often leads these guided hikes along Harris Creek Trail. She states that a favorite activity of kids is finding and identifying animal tracks.

Earning a Junior Wildlife Ranger badge provides a means of recognition for kids who engage in hands-on learning about wildlife and offers children a sense of connection with other kids across the country who are exploring the natural world and gaining an understanding of environmental stewardship.