Nature enthusiasts bring the outdoors inside
Twelve Fort Collins residents had the opportunity to gain the
skills and knowledge to enable them to view wildlife more
efficiently and responsibly.
“Respect is the ethics of wildlife watching,” said Nicole
Seltsam, an instructor for Wildlife Watch. “Watching wildlife is a
lifelong learning experience.”
The Colorado Division of Wildlife developed Wildlife Watch with
the hopes of teaching their audience the ideas of where, when and
how to enjoy Colorado’s wildlife. During the four-hour program,
participants learn through hands-on activities as well as detailed
overheads and slides.
Seltsam has worked at the Colorado Division of Wildlife for
three years and has volunteered for Wildlife Watch for a year and a
half.
“(The activities) make you more aware to be kind while observing
wildlife,” said Gene Gloeckner, a professor in the school of
education at CSU.
Gloeckner and his family attended the local Wildlife Watch
program at Lory State Park in Fort Collins on Saturday. The
Gloeckner family has used many of the tips given in the workshop
before but they all said they learned things that will enhance
their viewing in the future.
“We learned more tips on how to (observe wildlife) and where to
find them,” said Susan Gloeckner, an administrative assistant at
Corbett Hall.
Hands-on activities included games such as hide and seek. The
program utilizes this game to show the way wildlife feels when a
human is looking for them. It also shows how wearing neutral
colored clothing can enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
Volunteers devote hours to teaching groups the basic
fundamentals of habitats, ecosystems and responsibility when in the
outdoors. This program is available statewide at many state
parks.
Responsibility plays a big part in Wildlife Watch’s lesson
plan.
“As far as the Division of Wildlife is concerned, responsibility
plays a huge role,” said Leslie Larson, a volunteer for Wildlife
Watch. “It’s important to learn not to disturb wildlife or their
habitats.”
According to Larson, the two things that prompted Colorado
Division of Wildlife to offer Wildlife Watch was both the desire to
teach the public about wildlife and stop disrespectful behavior
from occurring.
“A lot of people are interested in the natural environment,”
Larson said.
The group learning at Lory State Park on Saturday ranged from
students and faculty at CSU to those looking to volunteer in the
Division of Wildlife.
Erin Knuuti, a nurse practitioner, enjoyed the workshop and said
she learned a lot.
“I liked learning about the habitat and the ecosystem in
general,” Knuuti said.
Knuuti said she would have liked to learn more about the habitat
part of wildlife. She plans on volunteering for the Division of
Wildlife while her husband works on his doctorate at CSU.
The program wrapped up with a hike in hopes of utilizing their
new skills.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife charges $15 per person or
household to participate in the workshop. This fee includes the
“Colorado Wildlife Viewing Guide” and the workshop participant
manual. The individuals that complete the workshop also receive
“certified wildlife watcher” cards.
Great Outdoors Colorado and the National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation sponsor Wildlife Watch. For more information or to book
reservations visit www.wildlifewatch.net.
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