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Junior Refuge Manager Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Activity Book
This Book Belongs To
Junior Refuge Manager Instructions
W elcome to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Junior Refuge Manager program.
By completing the activities in this book, you will earn a certificate and your Junior
Refuge Manager badge.
National Wildlife Refuges are where wildlife comes first. Managing a National Wildlife Ref-
uge takes a lot of work! Refuge staff must learn about many different subjects to help both
wildlife and visitors. To become a Junior Refuge Manager, you must learn about the habitats
and the plants and animals on this Refuge. One of the best ways to learn is to carefully ob-
serve all that is around you, record what you have seen, and then read more in a field guide, a
Refuge brochure, or on the Internet. When you have completed this program and earned your
Junior Refuge Manager badge, you will have learned to be a keen observer of nature.
Earning your Junior Refuge Manager certificate and badge
Participants should be between 5 and 13 years old.
Each Activity page must be completed and signed by a Refuge volunteer or a member of
the Refuge staff.
You will need at least two visits to Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge to complete
this program.
Assistance is available at the Visitor Center and seasonally at the Wildlife Observation
Center.
Some of the information you need to complete this activity book may be found in free
Refuge brochures and from the exhibits at the Visitor Center.
You don’t need to complete this program in one season.
Note to Adult Companions
Thank you for helping your aspiring Junior Refuge Manager participate in this program. This
is a wonderful family activity where everyone learns and you are encouraged to help out and
provide assistance. Younger children may need help with the reading, but please let the chil-
dren answer all questions in their own words.
Make use of the many volunteers here at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge as they are
a source of information and guidance. Any Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge volunteer
or staff member is certified to sign an activity sheet. The sheet does not have to be signed on
the same day the activities were completed.
Now…
Let’s Go Outside!
Junior Refuge Manager Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
C e r t i f i e d b y : D a te :
I t was 1959 and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced plans to build
a huge airport right on top of the Great Swamp! Concerned citizens got together to fight
these plans and in 1960 the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge was established.
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and is
one of more than 550 refuges nationwide. This System was started in 1903 by President
Theodore Roosevelt as a way to protect wildlife for future generations. It is a place where
wildlife comes first. Did you know that there is at least one Refuge in every state and there
are five Refuges in New Jersey? All of the National Wildlife Refuges are managed by the
U.S. Department of the Interior’s Fish & Wildlife Service including Great Swamp National
Wildlife Refuge. The Blue Goose is the symbol of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is over 7,700 acres in size. There are two parts—the Wilderness Area and the
Management Area. You may walk or hike anywhere in the Wilderness Area. The Management Area is closed to the
public except for certain designated areas such as the Wildlife Observation Center and the Visitor Center. The Refuge
staff manages the habitat in the Management Area for the benefit of wildlife. Public access is restricted in order not to
disturb wildlife.
A habitat is an animal’s home—the place where it finds what it needs to survive—like food, water, shelter for safety,
and a place to raise young. Different species have different habitat needs . The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
has many habitats including swamp, streams and ponds, upland forest, and fields. This wide variety of habitats attracts
many different kinds of wildlife.
Now that you know more about the National Wildlife Refuge System and Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge…
Let’s get started on becoming a Junior Refuge Manager by answering the questions below.
Who started our National Wildlife Refuge System and in what year?
What federal government agency is responsible for managing national wildlife refuges?
What threat caused the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge to be established?
What are the names of the two parts of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge?
Why is so much of the Management Area closed to the public?
About… Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Junior Refuge Manager Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
C e r t i f i e d b y : D a te :
Observing… Reptiles—Snakes The best way to learn about wildlife is by observing. What is the habitat? What are the distinguishing field
marks? Field marks are clues to help in identification. Look carefully at the habitat and field marks when
identifying snakes. Make a sketch of your observations to help you remember.
The type of habitat For example: Is it in the water—in a field—or the woods?
Look at the color Black Brown Green Other
What kind of patterns are there Stripes How many What colors
Bands What colors Other patterns
Try to estimate how long the snake is
Use a field guide and the Refuge brochure on Reptiles & Amphibians to help answer the questions below.
Using the field marks listed above, draw the
markings of a snake that you saw today, including
the underside if you can. What was the habitat?
What kind of snake do you think you saw?
Why do snakes stick out their tongues?
What role do snakes play in nature?
Why do you think people are afraid of snakes?
Junior Refuge Manager Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
C e r t i f i e d b y : D a te :
Observing… Reptiles—Turtles
Habitat Parts of a turtle
Field marks (things you can see) The top part of the shell is called the carapace.
Size The bottom part of the shell is called the plastron.
Pattern on shell
Color on neck or head
Scutes are plates on the shell and can help in identification.
The shell of a turtle grows with them, just like our bones
grow as we do.
The best way to learn about wildlife is by observing. What is the habitat? What are the distinguishing field
marks? Field marks are clues to help in identification. Make a sketch of your observations to help you
remember. Field guides and Refuge brochures provide helpful information.
What do turtles eat?
Where do turtles go in winter?
List some of the common turtles found on the Refuge? (Use the Reptiles & Amphibians brochure.)
What is the largest kind of turtle found on the Refuge?
Painted turtle
Snapping turtle
How many kinds of turtles are listed in the Refuge Reptiles & Amphibians brochure?
What kinds of turtles did you see today?
Junior Refuge Manager Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
C e r t i f i e d b y : D a te :
Observing… Invertebrates Invertebrates are all of the animals without a backbone, including insects. There are many different kinds of
invertebrates and they account for 96% of all known species of animals! Invertebrates are important as they
serve as food for many other organisms. There are many kinds of invertebrates that inhabit the Refuge and
you can find them living on land and in the water. Many have wings and can fly.
Why do spiders make webs?
Water striders actually walk on water! Do you know how?
Crayfish have 10 jointed legs—In what kind of habitat will you find them?
Can you identify the invertebrates shown below? Write the number above the picture. Circle any of these
invertebrates that you observed today. Use a field guide to help.
1. Crayfish
2. Snail
3. Spider
4. Centipede
5. Tick
6. Water strider
7. Water boatman
Junior Refuge Manager Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
C e r t i f i e d b y : D a te :
Observing… Invertebrates—Insects Insects make up the largest percentage of invertebrates. Insects generally have three pairs of legs and three
main body parts—the head, thorax, and abdomen.
Field marks to look for…
Habitat:
Color:
Shape:
With or without wings:
Number of legs:
Draw some insects that you observed today. Can you name them?
Can you identify these insects? Write the number above the picture.
1. Butterfly 2. Bumblebee 3. Mosquito 4. Dragonfly 5. Ant 6. Praying mantis
Junior Refuge Manager Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
C e r t i f i e d b y : D a te :
Observing… Amphibians—Frogs & Toads The best way to learn about wildlife is by observing. What is the habitat? What are the distinguishing field
marks? Make a sketch of your observations to help you remember. Use a field guide for information and
pictures to help identify the frogs and toads that you see.
Look for these key field marks… What kind of habitat is this? Water Field In a Tree Other Size: How big is the frog or toad? What is the main color? Green Brown Gray Other colors Are there patterns you can see? Spots Mask Warts Other marks Ridges on back : Do the ridges run all the way down the back or curve behind the eardrum?
(This is a good way to tell a bullfrog from other frogs.)
Draw the markings of a frog or toad that you saw today.
What kind of frog or toad do you think this might be? (Use a field
guide or the Refuge Reptiles & Amphibians brochure.)
Name one thing that frogs eat.
A tadpole is a baby frog. Name one thing that tadpoles eat.
Did you know that frogs and toads have unique calls? Learning these calls is a good way to help identify
the type of frog or toad. Use the Refuge Reptiles & Amphibians brochure for help on this question.
1. Name: Call sounds like:
2. Name: Call sounds like:
3. Name: Call sounds like:
Junior Refuge Manager Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
C e r t i f i e d b y : D a te :
Size—how big is the bird? Color—is it all one color or several colors?
Look at the beak—is it long or short, sharp or
curved?
What is the habitat? Forest, wetland, field?
Observing… Birds The best way to learn about birds is by observing. Think of yourself as a detective. Look carefully at the bird
noting the field marks (physical things you can see). These are clues which will help you identify the bird.
Write down the field marks, draw a picture, or take a photo to help you remember. Then look in a field guide
to find a bird which matches your description.
Look for these key field marks as well as habitat, song, and behavior to help narrow down your choices.
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to go bird watching. There are many different habitats
on the Refuge which attract many different kinds of birds—more than 200 species of birds have been seen.
Some birds are migratory and may only be seen during certain seasons. Others are resident birds and may
nest on the Refuge. Name four birds that you saw. Use the Refuge Birds brochure to answer the questions.
Name of Bird What is the habitat? (Forest, Wetland, Field) Does this bird nest on the Refuge?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Sketch one bird you saw today. Draw at least three fields marks that helped you identify this bird.
Can you name this bird? Use a field guide to help you.
Junior Refuge Manager Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
C e r t i f i e d b y : D a te :
Observing… Trees
Find a tree that interests you. Read about this species in the Guide to Trees and Shrubs and observe the key
identification characteristics. Draw two or more parts of your tree (leaf, seed or fruit, flower, bark).
Name two cool things that you learned about your tree.
The best way to identify trees and other plants is by observing. Try to find several key
identification features. Make a sketch of your observations or take a photo.
Habitat and field marks to look for…
Habitat: Where is the tree growing? Swamp Woods Field
Leaves: What is the shape of the leaf? Are they opposite or alternate on the branch?
Bark: Look at the bark. Is it smooth, rough, or peeling?
Seeds & Fruit: These are great clues. (Be sure to check the ground too!) Are there pods, berries, or
nuts?
What is the state tree of New Jersey? Did you see it today?
Name two different ways that birds or animals use trees.
Use the free Guide to Trees and Shrubs for this activity. Look for the numbered yellow
tags on the trees at the Wildlife Observation Center or on the Bockoven Trail at the Visitor
Center. Look up the number in the Guide, and learn more.
Junior Refuge Manager Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
C e r t i f i e d b y : D a te :
Observing… It’s all about Habitat Animals—and people—need good habitat to stay alive. Habitat is the environment in which an animal lives.
Good habitats provide food, water, shelter, and a place to raise young. Without good habitat, animals suffer.
The loss of good habitat is the single most important reason for an animal species to be listed as threatened
or endangered.
Observing the habitat is a good way to identify animals and plants.
Many animals can be found along the edges of two different habitats where they can find more of what
they need to survive. Edges are a good place to observe wildlife.
There are many different habitats at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. This means you can observe
many different kinds of animals and plants.
Test your skills. Write the habitat number next to the animal below. Remember some animals may use
more than one type of habitat!
1. Forest 2. Wetlands 3. Meadows and Fields
Name, or draw, four plants or animals that you saw today and indicate the type of habitat. Use the habitat
numbers above.
Ethics and Safety of Observing Nature When you watch wildlife without causing a reaction, you are seeing what is truly wild - Mark Duda
Take only pictures, leave only the lightest of footprints, and bring home only memories.
Get a close-up look by using a magnifying glass and binoculars.
Give birds and other wildlife enough space.
Stay on existing trails and pathways.
Observe all laws, rules, and regulations which govern the use of public lands.
Practice common courtesy in your contacts with others.
Beware of poison ivy. Remember… “Leaves of three, let it be. Hairy rope, don’t be a
dope.”
Take precautions to protect yourself from ticks. Tuck your pants into your socks, and
carefully inspect your clothing and yourself after your hike and when you get home.
To see wildlife, observe the three B’s... Be quiet, Be still, and Be observant.
Created by Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Artwork © Zackery Zdinak
Frog & snake artwork by Judy Schmidt
www.friendsofgreatswamp.org
3rd edition, August 2014
Enjoy Your National Wildlife Refuge Where Wildlife Comes First!