The month of February 2007 was a busy one for the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Program.  A total of seven-hundred eleven (711) participants took part in EE programs.  Programs covered a variety of topics including:  identification of medicinal and edible plants, the cycling of nutrients, bison ecology, furs and feathers, wildlife and their respective habitats, survival skills, hiking safety tips and why the Black-tailed Prairie Dog is a Keystone species.

The Environmental Education Section also continued their participation with Water Watch of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board by performing test on water samples from Elmer Thomas Lake. We also continued our participation with Oklahoma’s Blue Thumb Program by performing water test at three sites located within the Refuge. Blue Thumb is the primary education vehicle of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission’s Water Quality Division.

Environmental Education Specialist Hale is also working with Treasure Lake Job Corps students in establishing and developing a hiking crew and training EE Interns to assist EE during the busy season. This not only assists our EE program but also helps the Treasure Lake Job Corps students to build their knowledge and respect for the Refuge. Randy’s effort also helps to increase the self-confidence, self-esteem, and efficacy of the students. 

Friends of the Wichita’s volunteers concluded the In Search of Eagles Tours during the month of February.  A total of 60 people participated in the eagle tours.  Visitors boarded the Refuge bus and were taken on a two and a half hour tour in search of the eagles that winter at the Wichita Mountains.

Refuge visitation for February 2007:  77,074