The ARK committee was formed to improve community awareness and involvement in the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. We work with a variety of educational outreach opportunities including local school presentations and refuge tours.

Our main focus is working with local third and fourth grade classes. We give classroom presentations about the refuge with lots of fun things to learn about, examine, and explore. We begin with a PowerPoint presentation explaining the purpose of a wildlife refuge and some neat animals they might encounter on their refuge tour. The students then rotate between three tables; the nest table, the bird table and the discovery table. This gives the students an up-close opportunity to explore nature in their classrooms.

We also take the students on tours of the refuge where they go on a nature walk, look for mud critters, and learn about the natural history of the refuge. This usually takes about half of a day.

Even though the students live so close, for many of them this is there first visit to the refuge. Through these programs the students develop a lasting curiosity and connection to the refuge. It also gives me the opportunity to get out of the office and play in the mud, so everybody wins!

We are always looking for new volunteers to assist with these wonderful programs. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Margaret Schiffner at 765-6374. You’ll have fun while helping us spread the love of this beautiful refuge!