The education of youth about nature and environmental topics is also a major effort, financed by the Friends.
In coordination with the family of G. Emerson Learn III, the Friends of the Bosque del Apache
have established the Emerson Learn Bus Scholarship Endowment.
Through this endowment started in Emerson's memory, the Friends have created a permanent fund
to provide stipends for New Mexico schools to visit the Refuge.
Please see: Bus Scholarship Fund for information and how you can help!
School Bus Tours
Educators- Don’t miss an opportunity for your students to experience one of New Mexico’s most fascinating natural resources
The Friends of the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is pleased to offer bus scholarships
to defray some of the travel costs to visit the Refuge. Schools that arrange a tour with Refuge staff or volunteers
are automatically eligible to receive a scholarship by just filling out the Bus Scholarship Application (pdf file)
- Each touring school can receive up to $250 in reimbursement for travel costs.
- Knowledgeable tour guides and presenters are available at no cost.
- We can do grade and subject-appropriate presentations to support your curriculum objectives.
- The Refuge is open year-round.
- November 1 – February 15 is the most popular time to visit the Refuge because of the tens of thousands
of Sandhill Cranes, Snow Geese, and ducks. Volunteer tour guides are available 7 days a week during this period.- Presentations and tours can focus on whatever the season has to offer. Spring, summer and fall can also be great
times at the Bosque and can showcase subjects such as ecosystems, the food web, birds, flowers, and aquatics.
- Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge- Just 20 miles south of Socorro off of NM Hwy 1
We are actively working on new and innovative educational projects, and each year brings fresh and exciting educational plans with a strong emphasis on increasing awareness and caring for birds, wildlife and the habitat they rely on for their survival which is one of the Friends' primary goals.
Our main educational project is E.C.O.L.A.B. (Every Child Outside Learning About Bosque) We, The Friends are partnering with Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, San Antonio Elementary and Audubon New Mexico for this intensive environmental education program with Friends Environmental Educator, Andrea Harris. The focus of E.C.O.L.A.B. is on on ecosystems of the Bosque del Apache NWR. Through this program, students get a hands on, in depth experience. It is our hope to instill a sense of stewardship and provoke wonder in the natural world to future generations and bosque neighbors.
WE KIDS ARE FRIENDS, TOO!
We love wildlife, and are just as interested as adults are in protecting the birds and animals and the world we all share.
Check out the Youth painting, drawing and writing below!
We are updating our "Kid Talk" web column where kids are the ones doing the talking!
Please read a Wonderful Story written by Jenna Melanson...
Here is how it starts....
"Checker"
The morning sunrays didn't give much warmth as Checker stretched yet farther on the cool sand. He was a Spotted Whiptail lizard so he always had to keep watch for prowling two legs. He lived in an old rusty barrel by a barn with a paddock. Or at least that was where he was staying until he would go back to the Great Tunnels where all the other lizards lived. Inside the paddock lived a big charging beast with four huge feet. Today he was planning to meet his best friend (who was a large Spiny lizard) in front of the two leg den and then have a fun day in the cactus garden. He knew that his friend lived by the Biology building (how he got his name, Biology Guardian, BG for short) so he would soon arrive at their meeting place. Although they both usually lived in the tunnels they thought it fun to go on adventures. So Checker set out on the long trek to the two leg den.
Keep reading Jenna's Story by clicking here >>>>>
If you are a member of the Friends of the Bosque, and are interested in contributing a story or poem and are not over 17 yrs. old, please write Kid Letters and let us know.
Youth Report from the Field:
Jenna Melanson volunteered during the draw down of unit 11 (banding pond.) She is helping eradicate the carp from the pond as part of the rehabilitation process. Photos taken by Sheri Melanson ©2007. All Rights Reserved.
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The Incredible mural in the Visitor Center- Created by youth in Ms. Jeanne Howell's 5th grade class at Reginald Chavez Elementary School in Albuquerque, and sponsored by PNM! Thank you, Bosque Youth, Thank you PNM!
Two Panels from the wonderful Mural
Panel from the wonderful Mural
Panel from the wonderful Mural
Banners
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Youth Banner
Displayed at the Festival of the Cranes
Coming Again in 2007! Youth Banners
(Click here to see several other banners)
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The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge P.O. Box 340 San Antonio, New Mexico 87832 Contact Us |
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© 1996-2012 by The Friends of the Bosque National Wildlife Refuge, All Rights Reserved
All photos and graphics are under copyright by the artists and photographers. Goose Photos & Text Graphics ©Sandy Seth
Jena photos © Sheri Melanson
Children's art © Youth for the friends of the Bosque Please do not use without permission!
