Conservation Education and Beyond
Teller Wildlife Refuge is an absolute gem in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley. Over the last few years I have been fortunate enough to lead multiple groups of students to Teller for activities focused on conservation, wildlife and enjoying our Montana way of life. Teller is always ready and willing to participate and support Bitterroot students.
Memorable activities include birding on Teller, specifically searching for elusive wood ducks that find refuge on the property. After documenting several breeding pairs, my class and I built breeding boxes for the ducks with the intention to hang them the following year. Our overarching goal was to increase awareness about one of the most beautiful species of waterfowl we have in Montana as well as providing habitat for successful breeding. The staff at Teller is always willing to jump in and offer their expertise on these classroom outings.
I have seen firsthand how partnering with Teller can bring joy to students and can spark interest in the natural world. Over the course of my teaching career, I have had multiple students enroll in college as Forestry, Conservation or Wildlife majors. The experiences they have had at Teller were a driving force in their decisions.