A Family of Volunteers at the Refuge

Have you ever had a special place, or loved a landscape so much that you wanted to work there? Like thousands of people across the country, you could volunteer to preserve the unique quality of that place. Most volunteer days in the tri-county area benefit the land, water or our neighbors - a wonderful opportunity to "give back" or "pay it forward."

Young volunteers Joshua and Jacob Roberts

One family that answered the president`s call for volunteerism works for the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) each week. Mom, Kristi Roberts, and sons Jacob and Joshua are a perfect fit. They enjoy the quiet time outdoors, learning something new every visit, and they make wildlife observations each week. The brothers, 9 and 14 years-old are already learning to be a part of a community larger than their own neighborhood.

The Lower Suwannee NWR encompasses 53,000 acres providing suitable habitat for all native species and recreation opportunities for the visiting public such as trails, fishing piers, free hunting seasons, photography and wildlife observation decks. The Roberts brothers and their mom care for three gems on the Levy County side of the Refuge: Shell Mound, the scenic Nature Drive, and the River Trail.

They`ve spotted gators along the Nature Drive and wading birds from atop Shell Mound after their weekly volunteer service. The loaner binoculars, field guides, and cameras provided by the Refuge come in handy when learning to identify creatures they see during their volunteer service.

"I like knowing I`m helping wildlife and it feels good to get outside and help the environment," reports Joshua with a big smile. "I learn lots from the rangers, too."

Young Jacob is always excited to see wildlife, even small creatures. He has a way with lizards; he`s almost like a lizard magnet. If he sees that they`re unsafe, Jacob moves them to a secure location. He may grow up to be a herpetologist.

"It`s especially nice for us to have young people helping to conserve America," says Deputy Manager Daryl Magnuson. "We welcome anyone interested in volunteer work to call us at 493-0238."