Environmental Education and Interpretation:
A top priority of the Wheeler NWR public use program is to provide environmental education and wildlife interpretation opportunities to local school age children. In 2006, an estimated 9,000 students received on-site programs and another 2,000 students were contacted off-site. In addition, more than 5,000 other people of all ages were contacted through off-site visits and special events.
EARTHSCOPE, an environmental education program conducted by the Huntsville City School System, brings more than 2,000 third grade students to the Visitor Center for one-half day of environmental education and wildlife observation during fall and winter months. During the Wheeler NWR Summer Day Camps, over 200 local children ages 8-10 and 11-13 enjoy a full day on the Refuge where many indoor and outdoor hands-on activities involving wildlife and land conservation are provided.
In addition, every year Wheeler NWR hosts the Morgan County and Decatur City Forestry Awareness Week Now (FAWN) festivals in May and October. The annual event involves over 600 sixth grade students from Morgan County Schools in May and over 700 sixth graders from Decatur City Schools in October. Other activities that promote environmental education and wildlife interpretation include: the Junior Refuge Manager Program, the annual Wet-n-Wild Festival, and the Wheeler Refuge Summer Day Camp. Wheeler NWR also serves as the State’s receiving site for the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest, through an established partnership with the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF), and the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.
As part of community outreach efforts, a partnership with the Decatur City Police Department’s Alternative Choices through Educational Systems (A.C.E.S.) Program has been established. This arrangement provides more than 300 inner city youths opportunities to experience one-half day of fishing and environmental education on the Refuge. Other partnerships are enjoyed with the Boy and Girl Scouts of America and the Morgan County 4-H Wildlife Club.
The primary interpretive theme of Wheeler NWR focuses on the awareness and importance of waterfowl, migratory birds and their conservation. Approximately 40,000 people come to the Visitor Center annually to view exhibits, walk on the nature trails, participate in educational programs, or watch videos on a variety of wildlife-related topics. Interpretive messages are conveyed to the public through an exhibit area in the Visitor Center. A large auditorium with a seating capacity of 120 is used for showing videos, films or presentations. The Visitor Center contains a large classroom used for environmental education.
Talks and tours are given both on-site and off-site by public use staff and volunteers. An information kiosk is located near the entrance to the Visitor Center that gives refuge information at all times. A tear sheet (11 x 14) given to visitors at the Refuge office and Visitor Center provides a detailed map and information about the Refuge. Visitor Center staff frequently answers questions regarding Refuge lands and wildlife. Numerous field guides are available at the desk and general information is offered on most species of wildlife that may be encountered on the Refuge. Wheeler NWR uses two portable exhibits in off-site interpretation. The first exhibit is specific to interpretive information about the Wheeler NWR and the second exhibit provides information and locations for the other refuges located in Alabama.
A Travelers Information Radio Station (1520 AM) broadcast Refuge information to motorists as they cross the refuge on Interstate 65. The station has an eight mile range and provides motorists with updated information on refuge events and directions to the Visitor Center.
