External Affairs
Community Outreach

Our Program. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes the importance of working with partners in the community through building relationships that will help conserve fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats. Our outreach program serves to link the work of the USFWS to the community and help connect people to nature by providing opportunities for citizens to take part in protecting our natural resources.

Photos - Bald eagle, Chinook salmon, Oregon spotted frog (USFWS).


Community Events.
As a partner in the community, we participate in local outdoor festivals and celebrations with exhibits, displays, educational activities, and information. For example:

Festival of the Birds

An annual event at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge in Portland that takes place each May. Click here for information on 2009 eventr>


Oxbow Park Salmon Festival

An annual event at Oxbow Park that takes place each October




Photos - Pacific giant salamander (USFWS).

Photo - Students observe stream wildlife (USFWS).

Community Partnerships. We share our technical expertise and educational resources with local groups and organizations by serving on steering committees and outreach teams. The following are some of the community organizations with which we collaborate:

Johnson Creek Watershed Council

Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds

Oregon Trout's Salmon Watch Program

ii Teachers, click here to download the Salmon Watch Curriculum.

The Oregon Zoo

Pacific Rivers Council - Salmon Safe

 

Photo - Field trip to Kelly Point Park (USFWS).

Photo - Students participate in environmental education project (USFWS).


Support of Local Programs:
Through our outreach program, we provide funds to environmental education programs with a focus on connecting children to nature:

Multnomah County Outdoor School
A weeklong residential science education program for sixth grade students.

Northwest Outdoor Science School
The study of basic concepts of ecology, the natural history and biology of Oregon, and the conservation and wise use of natural resources.

OMSI's Salmon Camp Program
Salmon Camp provides a pipeline into higher education as well as careers in science and resource management.

Wolftree, Inc.
The design and implementation of outdoor science programs and projects that are community-based.

SOLV
The statewide Oregon non-profit organization founded in 1969 by Governor Tom McCall.



For more information, please contact:
Nancy Pollot
503-231-6179

 

Items of Note

For Educators
New Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands Toolkit


FOR KIDS

Where the Other You Lives
Discover the Forest Website

Weird & Wonderful Wildlife Poster
Image - Weird, Wonderful Wildlife Poster.
Click here to order a free copy of this poster.


USFWS Kids' Pages
Click on image for USFWS Kids' Corner page.
Puzzles, Games, Activities

Department of the Interior "Just for Kids"

Children and Nature
Photo - Kids in nature (USFWS).
New USFWS website:
LET'S GO OUTSIDE !
Helping Families Connect with Nature

USFWS Launches New Initiative
Connecting Children to Nature Is a Top Priority


Economic Report
Photo - Wildlife watchers (USFWS).
Wildlife Watching in the U.S.: Economic Impacts on National and State Economies
(2006)


For Educators and Students

Wildlife, plants, science and community involvement