Jennifer Hill of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Patuxent Research Refuge and other staff and volunteers, partnered with Julia Jones of Smothers Elementary School in Washington D.C. to afford a week long (June 16^th -June 20^th ) opportunity for children to learn and better understand how human actions affect plants and animals within habitats.  For the past six years, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has offered Habitat Camp as an environmental education tool to help children become environmental advocates and stewards. This year, the camp's theme incorporated climate change and global warming.

Everyday was complete with fun and exciting activities designed to reinforce week long concepts. Fortunately, there were a few surprises included as well. The first day of Habitat Camp consisted of a trip to Bladensburg Waterfront Park where camp participants explored the Anacostia River and discussed the affects of pollution. During the noon lunch break, the children enjoyed meeting Senator Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland. Senator Cardin discussed many environmental concerns with the group and gave examples of actions people can take for better environmental health.