JACKSON HOLE, WYO – The following was submitted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service on behalf of the National Elk Refuge. It has been edited slightly.
The theater in the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center bustled with activity on the last afternoon the National Elk Refuge’s Women in Conservation temporary display decorated the walls of the room this month. A group of Girl Scouts, ranging in ages from 8 to 12, enthusiastically participated in a program focusing on the variety of jobs available in the conservation field.
Two Refuge winter naturalists began the talk by sharing their personal stories—what they were interested in when they were younger, the schooling they pursued, and the jobs they’ve had that led to their current interests and profession.
Throughout the presentation, hands shot up as audience members were full of questions and eager to learn more.
During the remainder of the program, the group talked about the range of positions available to both men and women, including indoor and outdoor jobs that support conservation work. The talk was paired with the Refuge’s display, which included biographies submitted by women working in resource management professions.
“Learning about women who work in conservation was very cool because they stand up for animals and their habitat,” explained 11-year-old Lucy Waldrop, who attended the program. “Animals need protection because they can’t stand up for themselves.”
Lucy’s mother, Charlotte Reynolds, was appreciative of her daughter’s experience, adding, “I’m grateful my daughter has so many opportunities to be inspired by an amazing array of women in our valley, including those who have dedicated their lives to serve and protect the wildlife and wild lands we all cherish. Most importantly, I know these experiences are having a positive impact on my daughter and so many other girls. It makes me hopeful for the future.”
