Wildlife Biology—A Career for Nature-Loving Kids

Did you know… that kids are linking the skills they practice in school today to the abilities they’ll need to master tomorrow? Opportunities to witness the beauty of the natural world—and express compassion for its fragility—help sustain their interest in the biological and earth sciences.
South Kingstown’s 1st through 5th graders spent one recent ‘CLP Monday’ exploring the vital role of the wildlife biologist. The district’s Community Learning Program featured Janis Nepshinsky of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who underscored the most important aspect of her job: preventing the extinction of Rhode Island’s wildlife.

Janis took the students on a visual tour of Rhode Island’s National Wildlife Refuges. Images of Block Island beaches, Charlestown’s Ninigret Park, Sachuest Point, and the John H. Chafee Nature Preserve at Pettaquamscutt Cove looked familiar to many. Janis listened to students call out their favorite local wildlife, from snapping turtles and trout to the newly reclaimed piping plover. “Every animal you named needs a place to live, food to eat, and a place to play, just like you do,” Janis pointed out. She drew their attention to the fact that Rhode Island has FIVE of the United States’ 545 National Wildlife Refuges.

“Part of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist’s job is to protect the homes of animals, “habitats,” from harm caused by invasive plants, people and their pets,” Janis explained. No dogs, horses or motor vehicles are allowed on a National Wildlife Refuge; nor hunting, fishing and wild harvesting. The plants and prey are there for the animals that live there,” Janis added, reminding students that many species of birds need RI’s coastline for nesting grounds and food. “Birds fly south, migrating from Maine to Florida, and these wildlife refuges act as ‘rest stops’ for refueling, just like your families need on long trips.”

When Janis showed a two-foot long, preserved snapping turtle with its brilliant shiny shell, the 300+ students were in awe. When she told of poachers suffocating the turtles for their shells, they were stunned. Seeing the water-loving turtle on his back was saddening—and further convinced them that protecting wildlife is a worthwhile career.

What kind of skills do you need to be a wildlife biologist? First-grader Julianne H.and third-grader Katarina K. learned firsthand, as they held up samples of wild animal tracks, skins and other intriguing ‘tools of the trade.’ A biologist must be able to identify what kind of wildlife is spending time on the refuges. The upper jaw of a deer and the lower jaw of a coyote prompted careful observation and thoughtful answers as to what these animals eat. A snapping turtle’s creepy looking track print was a surprise, as guesses of “raccoon” and “bear claw” were proved wrong. A playlist of cool birdsongs on a waterproof iPod turned into an remarkably accurate game of matching birds to their calls. It seems that a wildlife biologist must pay attention, observe keenly, and be able to recall, measure, count, and reason.

Keep up the good work, CLP!

Fall CLP presentations also feature Mark Hall of Biomes Marine Biology Center, Claire Hall of the “Did You Know?” Foundation, and Jennifer West of the Narragansett Bay Research Reserve. All four South Kingstown elementary schools participate in this academically enriching and community-bridging program.

Take a walk on the wild side!
Can you name the National Wildlife Refuge in either photo? If you can, and you’re an S.K. elementary school student, call CLP reporter Rebecca Briggs, (401) 533–0116.

By Rebecca J. Briggs, CLP Reporter, with Rian Smith, CLP Program Manager

The Charlestown Press, Nov. 19, 2009 (Page A-7)

The Narragansett Times, Nov. 11, 2009 (Page 6-B)

S.K. Schools's CLP: Enriches, Educates and Inspires!

Did you know… that although #5 plastic yogurt cups do not get recycled in RI, you easily can avoid sending them straight to the landfill?

“Reuse it!” answered first-grader Aislinn M. when put to the question by Claire Hall of the "Did You Know?" Foundation. Second-grader Jake B. was quick to point out that even though some plastics like #1s are recyclable, their caps are NOT. By golly, I think they’ve got it!

Indeed, kids today are becoming more mindful consumers. South Kingstown children are also on their way to becoming more conscientious practitioners, with problem solving careers on their horizon.

S.K. schools’ district-wide CLP engages students in learning about the diversity of people, the wonders of place, and environmental stewardship—and in learning to make a difference within their larger community. This year brings a new focus on science and career awareness. Says CLP program director and Matunuck principal, Deb Zepp, “We want students to see their schoolwork as part of the journey to exciting careers. And we want them to connect science to the real world and real people.”

Imagination and problem-solving skills have been pinpointed as the tools for success today. For children who like to explore, fix things, be creative, or investigate the natural world, many vital and stimulating careers in science, engineering and technology await.

CLP’s slate of innovative presentations opened with Biomes Marine Biology Center, the “Did You Know?” Foundation, Narragansett Bay Research Reserve, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service this year. Community role models and student volunteers illustrate how passion for community can be fulfilled by a career in the sciences, improving both day-to-day life and the world beyond. “It’s fun and interesting,” observed fifth-grader Dave B. after learning from Claire how to use plastic CD holders as photo frames. “There’s always something new to learn.”

The number of S.K. students taking advantage of—or initiating—opportunities to pursue environmental interests is growing. CLP has helped sprout school recycling clubs; a district-wide, weeklong effort to reduce waste at snack time; an ‘eco-concert’ to raise funds for an environmental cause; and hands-on, after-school environmental enrichment programs that enable 5th and 6th grade students to take their awareness and career interests to the next level.

Did you know that it takes role models today to motivate and educate the movers and shakers of tomorrow? Keep up the good work, CLP!