by Rachel Felder, SCA Intern
The great outdoors is widely considered the ultimate classroom, and nowhere does knowledge flow like Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Located just south of the Motor City, Detroit River is North America’s only international wildlife refuge.
As a summer intern with the Student Conservation Association (SCA), my job is to help the refuge’s urban neighbors discover the wonders of our islands, shoals, and shorelines, which are jointly managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Canadian Wildlife Service.
In collaboration with Detroit Outdoors, we’re also bringing children down to Scout Hollow – Detroit’s only campground. Scout Hollow reopened this summer after being idle for nearly 20 years. We are striving to show local families that they don’t necessarily have to travel far to have a great camping experience. Connecting with nature at a young age yields numerous physical and emotional benefits while also encouraging lifelong stewardship.
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge’s location in the heart of a major metropolitan area is truly unique. Our primary focus, of course, is to provide a safe haven for wildlife but we also want to connect with the people in our community.
Ironically, nature is so beautiful that we often overlook it.
Read more in The Detroit News (scroll to second commentary)…