On Saturday, April 11, 2015, a celebration of Earth Day was hosted by River Legacy Living Science Center in Arlington, Texas. Many organizations were invited to participate, including the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service’s Arlington Ecological Services Field Office. The family focused event was attended by more than 400 people ranging from small children to grandparents. Omar Bocanegra and Stephanie Zuñiga, a volunteer with the Service, represented the Arlington Field Office.
Omar and Stephanie had the opportunity to speak with many kids and their parents about endangered species. Omar spoke about what it means to be an USFWS Education Table endangered species. He also highlighted some examples on how to help protect them. One of the big hits, especially with the parents, were the many endangered species artifacts that the Service had on display including fur boots made from the endangered Ocelot found in Texas, a women’s clutch made from seal fur, mounted owls, an elephant tusk weighting 35 pounds and a sea turtle that can be found along the Texas Coast. The artifacts not only peaked interest, but also raised awareness of endangered species items that are sold illegally and the negative impacts on the animals used to make them.
One of the stars of the show was the office mascot “Ghost”, a Omar Bocanegra, USFWS, talking with families King Snake. After answering a few questions, the kids received a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sticker badge and were dubbed Junior Rangers for the day!
In addition to learning about animals and the environment, the guests were invited to story time and other fun activities such as face painting, Nature Hikes, and Outdoor Camping Demonstrations throughout the Science Center. Along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Arlington Ecological Services Field Office organizations in attendance included the Turtle Survival Alliance, Fort Worth and Dallas Sierra Clubs, Marylee with the Master Composters, Cross Timber Master Naturalists, Boy Scout troop 545, Native Plants Society of Texas, and General Motors with a “Green Car” Display. Through the combined efforts of these organizations, the day was full of education and awareness of current conservation issues.
