Netta Assaf and Laura Plouse sketch wetland habitat at the Sacramento NWR. (photo: Susan Meeker, Willows Journal, by permission)

by Jennifer Stockton, Sacramento NWR
Ten high school students flocked together daily at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) for the fifth annual Flyway Journeys Wildlife Art Camp December 28-30, 2008. The event was sponsored by California Waterfowl (CW), the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association (PFDA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge helped provide inspiration for students who spent their time photographing, carving and drawing wildlife. They also learned about the Junior Duck Stamp contest and why hunting is an important part of wildlife conservation.

CW life benefactors Allen and Donna Thomas co-hosted the three-day camp by providing food, lodging and additional activities at Sunrise Farms Duck Club. PFDA taught the students about decoys and then helped them create shorebird decoys. Mike Peters, an Assistant Refuge Manager at the Sacramento NWR Complex, led a photography workshop. He began with a presentation and then took the students outside to photograph wildlife.

“Most of these students live in large cities,” said Jennifer Tolman, Coastal Region Education Coordinator for CW. “We’re trying to open their eyes to the beauty of the wetlands so they can do their part to preserve these wonderful places.”

High school students throughout California are encouraged to apply for next year’s event by submitting an essay to CW. For more information, visit www.calwaterfowl.org or call 916-648-1406.