Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of sprawling wetlands nestled in the Minneapolis sprawl. During my time at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, I’ve learned that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is a fantastic organization to work for. My supervisors have gone...
By Ayden Reyes Throughout my studies at Texas A&M University, I was eager to work in ecosystems that I’d only seen in pictures— crystal clear mountain streams, vast expanses of untouched boreal forests, and high elevation sagebrush-steppe. As I’m sure many have felt about their lifelong...
By Ayden Reyes The seasonal Park Ranger and me at our refuges World Migratory Bird Day Event A day at my job as a Visitor Services Intern at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is, in one word: fulfilling. Whether it may be interpreting for a field trip...
By Ayden Reyes A view of the visitor center from a walking trail. Although I’m only a month into my internship, it’s easy to see why Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is a special place. This urban refuge serves the Des Moines area as a reminder of...
A week into work, my first time going out on the refuge by myself! Howdy, my name is Ayden Reyes and I graduated from Texas A&M University in May of 2021, with a Bachelors of Science in Forestry and Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences. My...