The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), in partnership with the Boojum Institute for Experiential Education and the Children & Nature Network, is hosting a unique training opportunity in July for teens with a passion for science and the outdoors. The “classroom” for this program is the Desert National Wildlife Refuge north of Las Vegas.
Young people aged 15-18 are encouraged to apply for the Natural Leaders Program. Those chosen for the program will be led by a skilled team of biologists and backcountry experts on a 5–day, 4–night backpacking trip in the mountains on the Desert NWR. The excursion is scheduled from July 8–13, 2012, and will focus on leadership skills, backcountry skills, plant and wildlife identification, conservation careers, and more. The program is free of charge and camping experience is not required. Backpacks, food, and equipment will be provided.
The backpacking trip is limited to 12 participants and those wishing to participate must apply for a spot. For more information or to request an application, call (702) 515-5496, or send an email to alyson_mack@fws.gov The application deadline is June 1, 2012, and those interested are encouraged to act quickly.
According to its website, The Boojum Institute for Experiential Education is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to helping young people from all backgrounds as well as adults learn more about nature, the environment and themselves. Guided by its mission “To unlock potential, promote self-discovery, and inspire growth,” the Boojum Institute has provided often life-changing experiences to more than 70,000 people since its creation in 1975.
The Children & Nature Network (C&NN) is leading a movement to connect all children, their families and communities to nature through innovative ideas, evidence-based resources and tools, broad-based collaboration and support of grassroots leadership. As a Service partner, C&NN is working to train young leaders and empower them to motivate people in their communities to get outside and connect with nature.
The Desert NWR is approximately 23 miles north of Las Vegas on U.S. Highway 95. Signs on both the east and west sides of the highway mark the turnoff to the 4-mile gravel road leading to Corn Creek. The wildlife refuge was established May 20, 1936, for the conservation and development of wildlife resources, including the desert bighorn sheep. At 1.6 million acres, it is the largest national wildlife refuge in the continental United States.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.cno Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook. com/usfwspacificsouthwest follow our tweets at http://twitter.com/USFWSPacSWest watch our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at www.flickr.com/photos/usfws_pacificsw/.