Environmental Education
National Wildlife Refuges serve many purposes, and one of our most important roles is to serve as an outdoor classroom to teach about wildlife and natural resources. Many refuges offer environmental education programs for a variety of audiences. Refuges provide unique and exciting outdoor environments 鈥� excellent locations for hands-on learning activities. Thousands of youth and adult groups visit every year to learn about a specific topic on wildlife, habitat, or ecological processes.
Environmental Education Programs at Ankeny
Ankeny's Environmental Education (EE) Program promotes the development of an educated and informed constituency, proactive in protecting and restoring natural ecosystems. This program has been developed to meet the refuge goal of providing quality environmental education, interpretation, research and wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities compatible with the refuge鈥檚 purposes and mission.
The environmental education program is directed by a full-time Visitor Services Manager and Park Ranger. The refuge works with Environment for the Americas interns as well as volunteers to assist with facilitation and curriculum development.
Ankeny Hill Nature Center
Mission Statement:
锘縏he Center provides educational and interpretive opportunities to connect people with nature and to instill a sense of environmental stewardship.
The USFWS Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, in partnership with the and the , have created an environmental education hub for the Mid Valley called the !
The Center takes advantage of its location at the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge to provide multiple educational environments including classrooms, the Nature Explore area for kids, outlooks and learning stations along accessible pathways and discovery elements throughout the Refuge.
Ankeny Hill Nature Center is creating ways to make it easy for people of all ages and interests to make visits to The Center personally rewarding. From school children to conservancy organizations, special interest groups to scouts, our mission is to make the Center a focal point of community life.
To reserve the indoor and outdoor classrooms of Gehlar Hall at the Ankeny Hill Nature Center, submit a and staff will contact you shortly after to coordinate your trip!
