Little River National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) in Broken Bow, Oklahoma is partnering with the Choctaw Nation Summer Youth Program (Program) to provide a meaningful summer work experience for a local youth. DeWayne Thomas, a 15 year old student that attends Broken Bow High School, will spend five weeks this summer working alongside Refuge staff.
DeWayne has a strong interest in the outdoors and spends much of his free time fishing. He is excited to be working for the Refuge to learn more about natural resource management and protection. Already this summer, he has assisted with an educational outreach event and is building bird nest boxes. And, as part of the Choctaw Nation Summer Youth Program, he will have a positive introduction to the workforce and will gain life-long learning and job skills.
“We are very happy to be partnering with the Choctaw Nation and to be getting the opportunity to provide a young person, someone just starting out in the workforce, a positive work experience. And with DeWayne’s love of the outdoors it was a perfect fit” stated Refuge Manager David Weaver.
Other job duties lined up for DeWayne this summer include invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species management, facilities maintenance, and trail work. After high school, DeWayne plans to attend college and pursue a career in the medical field, but you can be sure he will always find time for his outdoor passions.
Read more information on Little River National Wildlife Refuge.
