Photographer: Wanza Heard, November 20, 2006 Students touch the snake!

Photographer: Tonya Stinson, November 20, 2006 Creatures of the Night and Other Critters of Aransas NWRC Environmental Education Presentation.

Photographer: Tonya Stinson, November 20, 2006 Volunteer Butch Heard showing students a snake.

Photographer: Tonya Stinson, November 20, 2006 Wanza Heard with a deer pelt.

Photographer: Tonya Stinson, November 20, 2006. Students get their picture taken with a feral hog.

Tonya Stinson, Chad Stinson, Wanza Heard and Butch Heard presented Creatures of the Night to the Rockport-Fulton Elementary 5^th graders in Rockport, Texas on November 20, 2006.  The objective of this visit was to educate students in wildlife conservation and natural resource protection. Students were introduced to snakes, turtles, frogs, lizards,  toads, and several stuffed mammals and birds that are found on the Refuge. Tonya Stinson introduced the Refuge and talked about where the refuge was located, migratory birds, creatures of the night and the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  This visit was conducted to get the students excited about the upcoming poster contest entitled "Creatures of the Night" sponsored by the Refuge each year.  Students were able touch live frogs, snakes, a red-eared slider turtle, animal skins and stuff specimens.  Many of the students were surprised to find the snakes were not slimy.  Chad, Wanza, and Butch each introduced animals and shared fun facts with the students.  The animals were carried around the room to allow a close up view. Students excitedly touched the animals and asked questions. Five 40 minute hands-on environmental education presentations for groups of 45 to 55 students were conducted.  At the end of the day, 260 fifth graders and 32 teachers knew a little more about wildlife conservation and many of them experienced touching a turtle, snake, frog, or toad for the first time.  Staff, volunteers, teachers, and students enjoyed the day. Pollinator posters were given to all the teachers. This was the fourth year for the event.