U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Alaska
YOUTH in the
GREAT OUTDOORS
2012 Report
Introduction
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Youth planting a rain garden at Spring Creek Farm in Palmer. Photo Credit: USFWS/ Mueller
Moving the Needle Toward Conservation In 2008, former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dale Hall identified one of the six Service national priorities as “connecting people with nature, ensuring the future of conservation.” That same year, Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, understood the need for inspiring career professionals, as well as the need for future conservationists when he identified “Youth in the Great Outdoors” (YGO) as one of his national initiatives. Salazar’s goal is to “engage young people from all walks of life with our natural resources and build pathways to careers in resource stewardship.” Whether youth become Service employees or not, the idea is to grow environmentally literate citizens who will care about and conserve America’s rich natural resource legacy.
Our region did a great job moving the needle toward conservation in 2012, as you will see in this report. We hope to continue doing so in the coming year. It’s up to each of us to make this happen. Many of the programs described in this report will continue in 2013 based on the efforts and enthusiasm of employees like you. We challenge you to do your part to engage youth in the outdoors and
Career Discovery Stories
conservation work this coming year. Now is the time for you to hire summer interns; we urge you to include them in your workforce planning. To these young adults, making a difference means taking action for conservation. They get excited by doing hands-on work in the field or watching the wonder on children’s faces as they catch a fish, plant a tree, or become immersed in nature. Our cooperative work across programs to engage, educate and employ youth demonstrates our commitment to creating a continuum of conservation experiences from early childhood tto adulthood, which has been p proven critical in developing A America’s next generation of cconservation leaders, natural rresource stewards and our ffuture workforce.
We all have personal stories about how we chose a career with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Many of us spent time outdoors as a child and created a connection with nature we wanted to continue. Others may have been inspired by a teacher, family member or friend. Perhaps it was a summer job that launched our lives as natural resource professionals. Or, maybe we had all of these experiences. What is your story?
Aleutian Cackling Gosling posing on Buldir Island. Photo Credit: Ronan Dugan/USFWS Biology Volunteer.
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Engage
Engage, Educate, Employ & Conserve The Alaska Connecting People with Nature (CPWN) Working Group is dedicated to creating opportunities for more people to get outdoors and experience meaningful connections with nature. In 2012, this cross-program group put $31,250 towards projects in Alaska that connected people to nature (made possible by the Department of the Interior Youth in the Great Outdoors Funding Initiative). The Give 8 Outdoors Program continued in 2012, with Regional Director Geoff Haskett authorizing each employee to use up
to 8 work hours to connect people with nature. Finally, the CPWN Working Group began using four new nature kits assembled with 2011 YGO funds to facilitate even more opportunities for people to get outside and connect with nature. Because today’s youth spend less time playing outdoors than any previous generation, it is imperative that we continue facilitating opportunities for youth and their families to connect with their natural surroundings. That connection with nature and the sense of wonder it
Educate
Thousands
of Alaska children participated in Service environmental education programs.
Alaska has a long and distinguished track record in environmental education (EE), but this year we outdid ourselves! Exceptional Service educators and volunteers planned and executed day and resident camps (some in very remote locations), contests, school visits, and other educational programs. We were able to reach local children and (often) their parents with the science of the Service, complimenting Alaska subsistence traditions. In addition to our refuge offices (who do EE as one of their six priority public uses), Fish & Wildlife Field Offices and other offices also provided wonderful educational experiences in their communities for youth. The goal is to make sure students graduate from high school with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to become natural resource stewards for the future. Some take the next step (described at the right) and choose to work for the Service.
This year
we engaged
30,000
people in the outdoors!
generates fires a desire to learn and, ultimately, conserve! Visit http://1.usa.gov/XXxFM4 for a summary of our region’s efforts.
Employ Refuges YGO funding and Service diversity funding, helped the region employ nearly 200 youth, ages 14-25. With partners, we increased employment opportunities targeting diverse youth. The Career Discovery Internship Program (CDIP), in partnership with the Student Conservation Association (SCA), brought seven racially and ethnically-diverse college students to stations around Alaska. The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) employed diverse high-school aged youth from our local communities, and Alaska Native Pathways interns formerly (SCEP & STEP) contributed new energy and perspectives to our meetings and field camps. Only a few of these We nearly employees will go on to careers in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, but their work experiences feed a passion for wildlife and youth! conservation. They also gain valuable job skills applicable to any career they pursue.
employed
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The Connecting People with nature Team 4
Back row, left to right:Tamara Zeller, Jeff Heys, Laurel Devaney, Heather Johnson, Katrina Mueller . Front row: Lisa Matlock, Shelly Lawson, Michelle Ostrowski, Cathy Rezabeck. Not pictured: Cheryl Anderson, Steve Brockmann, Terry Fuller
Highlights
Kodiak Camp participant closely examines moss. Photo Credit: USFWS.
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Anchorage Youth Connect with Wild Salmon The Anchorage Fish and Wildlife Field Office (AFWFO) used Youth in the Great Outdoors funds to hire Outreach Intern Dani Thompson through the Student Conservation Association (SCA) to conduct outdoor programs in Anchorage. One goal was to connect Title 1 elementary school children to salmon-bearing streams. Dani implemented AFWFO’s first ever outdoor “Creeks and Critters” program. Nearly 100 Title 1 students attended a 3 hour field trip to a nearby urban salmon
Title 1 Schools Title 1 schools serve lowincome urban neighborhoods. In Anchorage, these are the most ethnically and racially diverse students in Alaska. These schools face challenges with academic achievement that make outdoor field trips seem superfluous while financial constraints and lack of chaperones make them impossible.
Dani Thompson Student Conservation Association Anchorage Fish & Wildlife Field Office
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stream where they experienced the outdoors and were taught, through handson activities, the value of fish and wildlife and the importance of conservation. Educators were enthusiastic about the success of the program and hope to maintain a connection with the AFWFO in order to hold this event again next year. Adriana Amaya, recruited and mentored by Dani before she headed back east
to pursue graduate school in broadcast journalism, has been hired to help plan and expand this event and continue connecting people with nature in the Anchorage Bowl and Mat-Su Valley in 2013. A more complete summary of Dani’s internship and career discovery story can be found in her blog: http://jointhesca.org/profile/DanielleThompson
SCA “One thing I really love about my internship is the fact that my supervisor has given me the freedom to color outside the lines of my position description. She encourages me to take my ball of environmental education play-doh and mold it into whatever shape fits my personal interests and will benefit my long-term career goals.” Kodiak summer camp participants listen to their surrounding with deer ears.
Outdoor Kits Four kits were created with YGO funding in 2011 to help Service employees and partners connect people to nature. They became available for the first time in 2012 to Alaska educators, who may borrow them through a local Service office. The Nature Photography Kit
This kit was checked out a total of 13 days in 2012 resulting in 1,200 hours spent outdoors. Nature photography focuses children’s attention in the outdoors - it connects them with nature by encouraging them to get down on their bellies and backs to see different perspectives. The kit includes 15 cameras and accessories, a printer, and an activity guide. Contact Katrina_Mueller@fws.gov / (907) 7863637.
The Trail Camera Kit
~Allyssa Gabriel, Pathways Intern at Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge With this kit, three schools in Southeast Alaska have spent over 400 hours outside and captured a variety of animals on camera. This kit features three motion-activated trail cameras to document animals near schools, during the day and at night. Associated activities include mapping photos; building a database of sightings; plotting sightings on various charts; and exploring the ecology of local animals. View sample photos and more here: http://alaska.fws.gov/outreach/ trail_kit.htm. Contact Steve_Brockmann@ fws.gov / (907) 780-1181.
The NatureTracker Kit
The Go Wild! Go Birding Activity Kit
In 2012, eight students spent a total of 24 hours outdoors using this kit. This kit contains handheld computers that can be used to record the location of animals, tracks, droppings, nests, burrows, and other signs of wildlife around schools or other field sites. The data may then be uploaded to the laptop computer (included in the kit), and transferred to another computer to display the locations on a digital map. Contact Steve_Brockmann@fws.gov / (907) 780-1181.
“The digital camera kit was a great success and not only did it teach kids new techniques with technology but it also got them outdoors…[even though] it was a freezing -22F outside!”
This kit contains 30 youth and 10 adult binoculars as well as a “Birding Tip Sheet” and “Binocular Basics” guide (developed by 2011 SCA Intern Trish Barrere). Each participant also receives a “Bird Log Journal” to record sightings. Be part of the annual Christmas Bird Count or go out any time to connect students with nature. Contact Tamara_ Zeller@fws.gov / (907) 786-3517.
Ann Rappaport Retired Field Supervisor Anchorage Fish & WIldlife Field Office
I grew up in Los Angeles, in a very unoutdoorsy family. Finally, at age 11 on a family vacation, I discovered the outdoors by visiting Crater Lake and Yosemite National Parks. I was thrilled to experience these beautiful natural areas. In college, as Ecology and Evolutionary Biology major, I was accepted into a “Supercourse.” The most memorable parts of the course were the field studies done in the Mexican desert, California oak-scrub, and Sierra Nevada ecosystems, where I did my first camping and learned about plants and animals. These experiences led to my interest in the applied aspects of biology and reducing humans impacts on our environment. Most recently, I have encouraged my staff to work in the community to connect people with nature. I recently ended a wonderful 33-year career, but I intend to continue connecting people with nature in retirement.
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Students Across Alaska Experiencing Science and Culture in Action Thanks to funding support from Alaska’s National Wildlife Refuges and the Youth in the Great Outdoors, the Service was able to partner with 20 rural communities to engage nearly 600 elementary and middle school children in summer camps, from Unalaska to Kaktovik. Campers spent many hours outside experiencing western science and learning subsistence traditions from local elders. Once in high school and college, these same rural students are recruited for a variety of internships that provide them with valuable conservation job skills and professional networking opportunities.
Selawik, Alaska (40-60 youth) Selawik National Wildlife Refuge During the 6 days of camp, with the help of elders and community members, students checked nets, scaled and cut whitefish and pike, hunted and butchered caribou, picked berries, split firewood, and learned to make ittukpalak (a whipped dessert of whitefish eggs, cranberries, and sugar). Refuge staff dissected fish with students, showed them how to collect aquatic insects, and let them loose on nature photo scavenger hunts.
Lake Nunavaugaluk, Alaska (8 youth) Togiak National Wildlife Refuge Over the course of four days, students participated in a number of activities and discussions aimed at expanding their knowledge of specific outdoor skills, wildlife conservation and what it’s like to work for the Service.
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Sand Point, Alaska (50 Youth), Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Students learned aboutof their Alaska Native culture, including how to make bentwood hats and Bering Sea headdresseses , drums and building fish drying houses. Students also connected with Service personnel to learn about the ecological system that supports their traditions.
Barrow, Alaska (19 Youth) Fairbanks Fish & Wildlife Field Office The second year of the North Slope Science Camp included field trips to nearby tundra and coastal habitats, wildlife observation, games, crafts, science activities, and presentations by local biologists and Native elders. By continuing this program on an annual basis, the Service hopes to enhance understanding of the scientific process, promote appreciation and respect for fish and wildlife, and build awareness and support for Service priorities and activities on the North Slope.
Kaktovik, Alaska (19 Youth) Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Local Kaktovik students traveled aboard a research vessel, collected and examined aquatic organisms, and discussed the Abyssal Plains and thermoclines alongside the world’s foremost experts on arctic marine ecosystems, Ken Dunton and Kim McCleland from the University of Texas Marine Science Institute. “They recognize, in a way most of us don’t that they’re part of the food web. Seals eat fish. The polar bears eat the seals, and sometimes they eat the polar bears. They live it every day.” ~ Ken Dunton
Tok, Alaska (9 Youth) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge This year’s summer high school course was Wildland and Wildlife Photography. In twice-weekly summer classes students took learned photography during field trips to the refuge, a 4-day raft trip on a local river, and in Fairbanks where they visited with professional photographers. At the end of the course, students exhibited their work at an event attended by over 65 friends and family.
Soldotna & Kodiak, Alaska, (63 & 116 Youth) Kenai & Kodiak National Wildlife Refuges On the Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak Island, young children clamor to sign up for the annual day camps offered by refuges. Children return year after year; the staff changes themes and activities to build upon what they learned previously. These programs also include a group of middle school students who volunteer as junior camp counselors. After attending a training workshop, these students assist for a full week in camp.
Doug Mills Chief of Diversity and Civil Rights Anchorage Regional Office
I did not necessarily grow up with a great appreciation for the outdoors. When in the military, I belonged to a unit with several other individuals who, like me, were more comfortable navigating the concrete jungle than hiking the side of a mountain. As part of a teambuilding effort, our supervisor offered us a challenge. She would participate in any group activity we wanted, with one caveat. For each activity we chose, we had to be willing to reciprocate with an activity of her choosing. Needless to say, all of her activities involved getting us out into nature. Those experiences opened the door to a whole new world that I probably would never have considered. As a result, camping, nature photography, cross country skiing, and rafting are just a few of the activities that have become an important part of my life - as well as a general appreciation for the wonder and beauty of Alaska.
Highlights
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Arctic Refuge’s Pathways Intern, Alfredo Soto examining dragonfly at Henshaw Creek Weir Camp. Photo Credit: USFWS
Providing Unique Work Experience for Future Conservation Leaders YCC Nearly 40 high school-aged youth were hired in 2012 to work for five of Alaska’s National Wildlife Refuges and the Barrow Field Office through the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) and Volunteer Program. Through valuable job training, meaningful conservation work, and opportunities to mentor younger generations, these programs are one of our primary tools in growing local conservationists.
At Alaska Maritime Refuge, enrollees experienced life on the Tiglax, the Refuge’s research vessel, shadowing the deck hands, the captain, the biologist, and even the ship’s chef each day. At Kodiak, enrollees made a difference by doing a marine debris clean-up at remote Halibut Bay, and shared their love of the outdoors with younger Salmon Campers. As participants in the Eider Journey Science Program, Barrow youth contributed valuable scientific work, which they shared with their community to better conserve Threatened Steller’s
and spectacled eiders on their breeding grounds. In addition to summer experiences for youth, our employees are taking these students to the next level by offering even more opportunities to enhance their interest in conservation. Kodiak YCC Coordinator, Michelle Lawson applied for travel support from the Anchorage FWFO to provide for three YCC enrollees to attend and present at the 2012 Alaska Forum on the Environment in Anchorage. All three youth will begin their college
YCC at Alaska Maritime Refuge creatively designed and coordinated the Refuge’s prize winning Fourth of July parade entry.
careers in early 2013 and plan to study an environmental field while continuing to work on local environmental issues. For example, Traven Apiki of Homer continues to volunteer and assist at Alaska Maritime Refuge’s Islands and Oceans Visitor Center, and Wendy Castellon, 2012 Alaska Spirit of Youth award winner, still stays connected with marine debris awareness on Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.
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CDIP
2012 CDIP Cohort: (above) Matt Ouano, Ferissa O’Connell, Brittany Williams, Mercedes Bartkovich,Helen Tau, Samatha Derrick, (below) Emmanuel Watkins.
In 2012, Region 7 joined Regions 3, 4 and 5 offering the Career Discovery Internship Program (CDIP). Through a partnership with the SCA we welcomed these seven interns to Alaska this past summer. The goal of the program was to introduce culturally and ethnically diverse college freshman and sophomores to conservation careers in the Service, and give field staff the experience of working with culturally and ethnically diverse employees; thereby, increasing the diversity of the applicant pool for conservation based jobs. These rising professionals provide interns with the opportunity to gain handson experience in the field. In 2012 students worked for Kodiak, Yukon Delta and Alaska Maritime Refuges,
in the Regional Office (in Refuges and Migratory Bird Management), and at the Anchorage and Kenai Fish & Wildlife Field Offices. This program will continue in 2013. Check out a few of the student’s capstone videos here: Helen Tau- http://bit.ly/VRpKep Samatha Derrick - http://bit.ly/ZRk2yo Mercedes Bartkovichhttp://bit.ly/VuQnbv
Another amazing experience was traveling to an Alaskan Native village called Akhiok, one of the more remote villages. We taught the village children about the Kodiak Refuge, whales, sea otters and other wildlife topics. Environmental education is one of the most important methods of reaching out to the public ~Helen Tau, CDIP Intern at Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
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Mark Bertram Supervisory Wildlife Biologist at Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge
When I was about 8 years old I joined the Cub Scouts. This decision would have a huge impact on my life. For the next 10 years,as I advanced through the ranks, I was exposed to a myriad of outdoor and characterbuilding activities,attending camping trips, fishing excursions, hikes, and jamborees. I earned merit badges, was given leadership roles in my troop, performed community service projects, and volunteered for fundraisers. All of these experiences instilled in me a deep love for the outdoors. Today, I feel very lucky that I was exposed to the outdoors at an early age and feel even more fortunate that I was able to land a career in an organization that puts “Wildlife First.”
Highlights
Eager students observing the different parts of a salmon. Photo Credit: USFWS
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Transforming Alaskan Rural Youth into Conservation Leaders Alaska rural youth typically grow up within the boundaries of our nation’s wildest and largest National Wildlife Refuges and subsist with their families on the wild plants and animals conserved therein. These youth, like their urban counterparts, are experiencing a growing disconnect from nature. The Service and Alaska Natives are working
corroboratively to stem this disconnect. The idea is to engage families and young children with education programs, high school students with YCC, and college students with the Alaska Science and Engineering Program as well as Pathways Internships. Some may eventually become permanent employees.
Take Me Fishing: Selawik Youth Outdoors at Traditional Sites
More than fishing was done on this outing in Selawik, Photo Credit: USFWS
We have a variety of Pathways Interns who learned about the Service through the Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) at the University of Alaska. ANSEP is a longitudinal model that is designed to work with students from middle school through Bachelors and even Doctorate degrees. The Service’s long partnership with ANSEP feeds Alaska Native youth into academic programs that prepare them for careers in engineering, wildlife biology, and other scientific fields. Dustin Carl joined External Affairs this summer and was able to assist with field work on the Kwethluk River with the Yukon
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If you are one of the 830 predominantly Iñupiaq people living in Selawik, Alaska, maintaining a connection to the land through subsistence traditions is a logistical and an economic challenge. Although Selawik is in the heart of Selawik National Wildlife Refuge, access to subsistence resources requires a boat and fuel which can cost over $9.00/gallon. Selawik residents have deep connections to the Refuge and having youth spend time in these traditional areas is restorative, promoting both cultural and conservation connections to the land. YGO funding enabled Refuge staff to lead three outings for village youth and elders. A total of 48 kids, ages 6-14, were able to get out fishing in their backyard alongside at least one
village elder, ensuring that subsistence fishing traditions are passed to younger generations. In addition to fishing with new rods and reels, the children picked wild berries, picnicked, listened to traditional Eskimo stories, and practiced fire building.
This day at the arctic beach ended with roasting hot dogs. Photo Credit: USFWS
ANSEP
Delta National Wildlife Refuge as well as work with the Regional Native Liaison in the Regional Office. Jennifer Gregory, another ANSEP student, has worked for the Service since her freshman year. Last summer she assisted in biological projects at Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. Aaron Moses, a wildlife biology major at University of Alaska, has worked summers for Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge. All our ANSEP students are well on their way to careers with the Service working on conserving the fish and wildlife in their childhood backyards.
Dustin Carl Office of External Affairs Anchorage Regional Office
OSM Fisheries Intern
Alissa Joseph Office of Subsistence Management (OSM), Partners for Fisheries Monitoring Program
Alissa Joseph is an Alaska Native from Bethel, Alaska where she and her family practice a traditional subsistence lifestyle. Alissa studied biology at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and for several summers she interned through the Orutsaramiut Native Council and the Service’s Partners for Fisheries Monitoring Program, working on various fisheries resource monitoring projects. With this experience as a foundation, Alissa was recently hired by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game as a full time regional coordinator
providing board support. Alissa’s story is happening all over Alaska as the Service and tribal partners continue to engage elementary students in conservation work and feed their passions through high school and college.
Innoko Refuge: Round Mountain Science Camp, 20 Years of Connecting Local Youth with Nature By Dara Whitworth “Fish on!” students yelled excitedly pointing at their fellow campmate’s line. The end of the pole dipped toward the water and a flash of white revealed the catch. “Keep your line taut… let him fight… reel in some line.” Advice and encouragement came fast from all sides of the small Jon boat. Another flash of white in the coffee colored water elicited a hurried “Quick, get the net!” from one of the instructors. A student scrambled for the landing net just as the fish surfaced for the first time and then dove with a flip of its tail, dragging out more line from the reel. The student fought to keep the line
Orville Lind Park Ranger at Alaska Peninsula/ Becharof National Wildlife Refuges
taut and slowly a pale shape appeared in the murk. “What is it?” someone asked and another replied “Wow, look at the size of that Sheefish!” Quickly, before the fish had a chance to make another run, they scooped it out with the net and swung it into the boat. It was the first catch of the day and the excitement to get the rest of the poles in the water was infectious. It proved to be the first of many fish caught that day on a small tributary of the Kuskokwim River, where students from around the Iditarod Area School District had come to participate in the week-long Round Mountain Outdoor Science Camp.
As long as I can remember, we were told to pay attention to our outdoor surroundings, be an observer as it was said to help us grow to be someday a leader, like the front bird leading his flock to their summer home, or a large bull caribou leading his herd to safety, or a mother bear taking great care of her children. I was trained to believe that all living spirits (plants, birds, animals, fish) were allowed to give themselves to the humans to gain respect and come full circle, so that life becomes more meaningful for both. I remember my elders taking me out numerous
Camper shows off his catch of the day. Photo Credit: USFWS
times to a calm, peaceful place where I could see for miles, seeing and hearing my surroundings, many different insects, animals, wishing I could be like birds soaring high about everything, seeing fish swimming in the streams thinking of the cold fresh water I would drink later. Uncle said “always be thankful, take care of this and it will take care of you.” I have always said this is the greatest agency to work for, it is like my elders teachings, our mission is the same for everyone to enjoy.
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What are you doing to move the needle toward conservation?