Written By
On behalf of the wider Prairie Wetlands Learning Center team here at the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District, I am pleased to announce that Naomi Baucom has been selected as the next center director for the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center! Baucom’s love of the outdoors began as a child growing up in Oregon, camping and fishing with her dad. She was introduced to the National Wildlife Refuge System while studying wildlife biology in Montana. After a few years working in temporary biology positions, Baucom was introduced to the Visitor Services program as seasonal park ranger at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex. She has had the opportunity to work in various capacities for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on and off during the past 20 years.
In 2022, Baucom transferred from Morris Wetland Management District in Minnesota to Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma as park ranger and volunteer coordinator. There she noted that it was a great opportunity to be immersed in an extremely enthusiastic community with high visitor use. Baucom is looking forward to the opportunity to be back in Minnesota to carry on the legacy at Prairie Wetlands Learning Center and to continue sharing her passion for wildlife, conservation and natural spaces. In her spare time, Baucom enjoys birdwatching, camping, traveling and spending time with her dogs. Baucom's return to Minnesota is expected toward the end of January.
The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center is part of the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District. The district is responsible for the administration of federal lands within a five-county geographic area that includes Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Wadena and Wilkin counties.
