Environmental Education
National Wildlife Refuges serve many purposes, and one of our most important roles is to serve as an outdoor classroom to teach about wildlife and natural resources. Many refuges offer environmental education programs for a variety of audiences. Refuges provide unique and exciting outdoor environments – excellent locations for hands-on learning activities. Thousands of youth and adult groups visit every year to learn about a specific topic on wildlife, habitat, or ecological processes.
Environmental Education Programs at Turnbull
Turnbull NWR has been connecting people with nature since the 1990s. With the support of Friends of Turnbull, a non-profit organization established in 1997, refuge staff and volunteers have been able to increase environmental awareness throughout the Inland Northwest. Turnbull's Environmental Education (EE) program promotes the development of an educated and informed constituency, proactive in protecting and restoring natural ecosystems. This program has been developed to meet the refuge goal of providing quality environmental education, interpretation, research and wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities compatible with the refuge’s purposes and mission.
The environmental education program is directed by a full-time Visitor Services Manager. The refuge works with AmeriCorps and Student Conservation Association interns as well as volunteers to assist with facilitation and curriculum development.
For Educators
The Refuge provides facilitated field trips on the refuge and in-classroom outreach programs to local schools which are free. All field trips, including self-guided visits, and other environmental education activities must be scheduled with the refuge.
To schedule a program or request information on the refuge’s environmental education program, please contact contact Ranger Josh at 509-559-3034, or via email at joshua_contois@fws.gov.