Les Talbot has a rich background in education and a deep passion for the natural world. Since 2008, he has dedicated 5,421 hours to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, serving in a variety of roles. In recognition of his extraordinary dedication, lasting impact, and recent retirement, the refuge has named its outdoor classroom in his honor.
The outdoor classroom, where future generations will continue to learn about wetlands, wildlife and conservation, now bears Talbot’s name as a tribute to his passion for environmental education. Before his extensive volunteer service, Talbot worked as a biology teacher at Ben Lomond High School in Ogden, Utah. His enthusiasm for science and conservation inspired countless students. Talbot’s love for spelunking and birding, combined with his passion for environmental education, made his transition into volunteer work at the refuge a natural one.
He began as an interpretive guide, leading wildlife tours along the auto tour route and educating visitors about the refuge’s unique ecosystems. Over 80,000 acres of marsh, open water, uplands, and alkali mudflats provide habitat for wildlife, including hundreds of species of birds. The 12-mile auto tour route meanders out to the Bear River Delta and allows visitors to use their vehicles as a wildlife blind, observing wildlife up close without disturbing them. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people visit the refuge and volunteers like Talbot are essential for providing excellent visitor opportunities.
The refuge also hosts approximately 1700 local fourth grade students as a part of its field trip program. Talbot was an essential volunteer supporting this program as well, helping local students learn about their public lands and the importance of wetlands for wildlife and people. In his later years of service, he became a familiar and welcoming presence at the front desk every Tuesday and Thursday, embodying the spirit of the refuge for visitors.Talbot also served on the Board of the Friends of the Bear River Refuge for nearly a decade. During that time, he led the effort to fund and construct the refuge’s popular observation deck. Friends groups are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that support a refuge or group of refuges to support through a partnership agreement. Friends members often are also volunteers like Talbot. Folks interested in volunteering can reach out to Friends groups or refuges directly.
At Bear River and across the National Wildlife Refuge System, volunteers play a key role in supporting conservation projects, visitor services and access to outdoor recreation. Duties on the refuge vary based on need and management priorities. Volunteers may conduct bird and wildlife surveys, welcome folks to the visitor center, assist with special events and student field trips or complete maintenance projects such as mowing, sign posting, and cleaning visitor facilities. In 2025, 42 regular volunteers assisted with projects and have contributed over 4,400 hours to ensuring future generations discover their passion for America’s wildlife and wild places.
Every volunteer plays a vital role in supporting the high-quality visitor experiences at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and is deeply appreciated by both staff and visitors. The Lester Talbot Outdoor Nature Explore Classroom will continue to inspire folks for years to come, just like Talbot himself.
Near Brigham City in northern Utah, the refuge protects the marshes at the mouth of the Bear River. The largest freshwater component of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem, refuge habitats draw hundreds of thousands of migratory birds and waterfowl each year to rest, feed and nest. Visitors have plentiful opportunities to enjoy these wildlife wonders. Walking trails, birdwatching, and hunting are just a few of the ways visitors can experience nature up close.
If you are planning a visit to the refuge, check out the refuge website for special events and environmental education opportunities.
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