Courtesy Cathy Gordon, USFWS, 3/13/08

Courtesy Cathy Gordon, USFWS, 3-13-08

Courtesy of Cathy Gordon, USFWS, 3/13/08

Courtesy of Cathy Gordon, USFWS, 3-13-08

Cathy Gordon, Office Assistant (Arizona Ecological Services Office) and Jennifer Graves, Wildlife Biologist (Arizona Partners for Fish and Wildlife) presented job opportunities within the US Fish and Wildlife Service to approximately 125 second and third graders at Moya Elementary School during Career Day.  Moya Elementary School services an at-risk population where many of the children are not often exposed to the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  Cathy and Jennifer explained jobs available within the Service and the importance of protecting species and habitats.  Careers that were discussed ranged from a biologist, office assistant, and law enforcement.  It was further discussed how every job within the Service has the opportunity to help protect Federal trust species.  The students dressed up as Fish and Wildlife Biologists and set traps to catch Yuma Clapper Rails inside the classroom.  Once the "bird" was within the trap, it was banded and the children were given an opportunity to learn about the importance of monitoring and analyzing data.  Additionally, students put on waders and netted fish in our make-believe stream.  Although all the presentations occurred within the classroom, the students were thrilled with the opportunity to be a "biologist" for a day.