The goal of the SCA/USFWS Trails Inventory program is to provide the Fish and Wildlife Service with a comprehensive and accurate inventory of all trails on USFWS sites across the country. This is certainly an ambitious project as there are over 600 USFWS sites nationwide. This project will take us to every corner of the country, to high mountains and low deserts through bayous and fjords. We are all extremely excited for this opportunity as it provides the chance to perform an important service to the USFWS, expand our own knowledge and expertise, and experience many different parts of the country for the first time.
Hitch 1, Texas and Oklahoma
Michael and Xuan visited nine refuges total, starting in Houston, Texas (5) and moved northward to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (4). We met an amazing biologist, Lory, at Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge who spoke to us about the history of the refuge and what it's like to be a biologist at the refuge. She also gave us a personal tour of the nightlife in Beaumont, TX. At Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Dustin, the assistant manager took us out on a ride along after our inventory where we hope to spot a bobcat. At every refuge, we came across a range of wildlife that we hadn't ever come across before, such as armadillos, wild hogs, alligators, Texas Longhorns, White-tailed deer, etc, which was fantastic! If you think Texas is all hot and desert, you should visit and be pleasantly surprised!
