by Jane Hendron, Carlsbad FWO
Heidi Crowell, a branch chief in the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office’s Listing and Recovery Division, introduced kindergartners at The Coastal Academy in Oceanside, California, to the Fish and Wildlife Service and its mission to conserve threatened and endangered species.

The May 20, 2008, presentation included an animated Powerpoint that illustrated the work of the Fish and Wildlife Service, along with bookmarks, the ever-popular endangered species tattoos, and coloring books for the children to take home.

The classroom presentation was conducted as part of the Coastal Academy’s seven-week session focusing on history/sociology and the role of government-related jobs.

Heidi provided the children with information about local species and their habitats and fielded questions from the excited kindergartners who shared their own ‘backyard’ stories about the animals they have encountered, including coyotes and snakes.