Newly Arrived Refugees Explore Their Public Lands
Story by Katherine Trudeau, Student Conservation Association intern for the Bureau of Land Management
Imagine the shock of moving to a new country. Add to that an entirely new environment with animals, plants, and places you have never seen before. The Bureau of Land Management’s Campbell Creek Science Center hosted a three-day eco-explorer camp in order to help with the adjustment of 20 newly arrived refugees and immigrants. Students, primarily from the African continent, including the countries of Sudan and Rwanda, spent their time on Campbell Tract exploring a new home full of surprises and adventure.
On the first day students learned about animals they may encounter in Alaska. They were able to touch bones, teeth, and furs of lynx, fox, wolves and more. In order to understand how these animals are suited to live in Alaska they played games demonstrating adaptations. An important focus of the day was safety around moose and bears, since these students are likely to see these animals in their neighborhoods throughout the year.


