Outreach and Visitor Services


Outreach and Visitor Services at IDNFH.
         In order to meet the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s missions “to ensure the future of conservation by connecting people with nature” and “educating the conservation leaders of the future through outreach programs,” IDNFH and the FIDNFH provide a number of outreach programs and visitor services.
        The outreach programs and visitor services are aimed at all segments of the public, but there is particular emphasis on exposing children and families to the beauty of nature, conservation concepts and basic biology.  Currently available are birding, hiking, fishing, photographic and picnicking opportunities.  Also offered under the IDNFH Outreach Program are several educational programs.  Elaboration of these opportunities and programs follows.

     Birders: There are three marked trails that wind through different habitats, an existing bird blind and a 2nd one that is being built.  160 species of water, field, forest, songbird, raptor and migratory birds were recorded this past year on IDNFH grounds.
     Hikers: There are 3 marked trails of differing difficulty and lengths that go through different habitats; these are being modified to be self guided.
     Anglers: Several angler programs for children are currently under design.  Fishing on the Colorado River along Hatchery property is available.
     Photography: The Hatchery provides numerous opportunities for photographers of all different skill levels.  There is abundant wildlife (e.g., deer, raccoons, cyotes, rabbits, bobcat, birds), wild flowers, forest scenes, water scenes, hill top views, and more.  These opportunities change with the time of day, weather conditions and the seasons.
          Educational programs and presentations are given at the Hatchery throughout the year; special presentations and tours can be arranged for groups of 10 or more people by contacting IDNFH or the FIDNFH (the contact information is given elsewhere on this WEB page).  Examples of topics covered in these presentations and programs are presented below.

Volunteering opportunities
  1. The FIDNFH welcomes volunteers to help with its birding, trails, angling, educational and other programs.

  1. In addition, individuals or groups can volunteer to work with hatchery biologists in harvesting fish and fish eggs, feeding the fish, monitoring the health of the fish, etc. Waiver forms would have to be filled out for you to do this.

Examples of specific volunteering opportunities available at IDNFH and with the friends group (FIDNFH) follow.  Please contact the Hatchery or the FIDNFH to determine what volunteer opportunities are available NOW or IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

Examples of volunteer opportunities:
1.  Bird blinds and other birding activities.
  1. Help construct and maintain bird blinds;
  2. Prepare and/or lead classes on birding (e.g., identification of birds, proper use of birding manuals, and/or the proper use of binoculars.

2.  Hiking trails.
  1. Maintainance on existing trails;
  2.  Preparation and placement of markers to identity trees, shrubs, plants and interesting features along the trails; 
  3. Preparation and organization of interpretive brochures that tell about the different trails. 
  
  1. Angling activities.
  2. Preparation and organization of angler oriented classes. 
  3. Individuals to teach knot tying, the use of different fishing equipment (e.g., bobbers, swivels, lures), casting skills and fishing strategies. 

4. Education: Prepare, organize, lead classes and make presentations.  These classes are primarily for events that fall into 2 main types: 

  1. Outreach programs for large groups such as the annual Hatchery Outdoor Program (HOP); and
  2. Outreach programs for smaller groups such as Boy Scouts, charter schools or day schools.

Some of the preparation that needs to be done for these events, classes and presentations include:

  1. Stations need to be organized; 
  2. The content to be presented at each station has to be selected and organized; 
    1. Props, displays and informational media need to be prepared and/or organized; 
    2. Volunteers need to be organized and trained to present the material. 
    3. Station leaders and other volunteers present the material. 

Examples of specific subjects covered in the different outreach programs include:
  1. Sessions on birding and the use of binoculars and/or birding manuals;
  2. Interpretive hikes (e.g., lead hikes up the Overlook Tail comparing the changing ecology as the trail ascends;
  3. Preparing solar prints using special paper, leaves, plants and the sun;
  4. Explaining catfish production and reproduction at the the Hatchery;
  5. How to use casting lures and hooks and other fishing tackle skillfully and safely;
  6. What makes a fish a fish and how to identify them.
EVERY ONE IS WELCOME TO VOLUNTEER AND/OR COME TO THE INKS DAM NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY!
(Signed waivers will be required.)

No comments:

Post a Comment