Service-Learning Project

Report analyzing site research for University Colloquium Service learning project

Young children learn from their experiences. They use their senses to gather information about the world around them. That’s why field trips play an important role in the curriculum for young children involved in school. After visiting and evaluating the Peace River Wildlife Center, we concluded that it is perfect organization to establish partnership with. It will educate children to cherish birds and animals and how to rescue them. Youth Conservation Center will help children appreciate the Florida nature and its habitats. Guided tours are available all year long from volunteers, who not only describe the story behind each resident, but also share advice about what individuals can do to help conserve rare, threatened, and endangered species. There is no admission charge, although donations are gratefully accepted. Topics for additional consideration include transportation, volunteers, liability and lunch opportunities.

We were astonished by two American Bald Eagles. The female is 20 years old and the male is much younger. The female, whose name is BilFred was found by a woman who saw her injured at the Punta Gorda garbage dump. The male Eagle fell out of his nest, along with a sibling. The sibling died from the fall and this male survived but he was badly damaged and cannot fly anymore. It's a very sad story but at least they are cared for.

There were two kinds of Vultures here - the Turkey Vulture and the Black Vulture. Two of them are actually blind. Those birds ruin your roof tiles when they walk all over it but do serve a purpose by cleaning away road kill. Both Vultures are protected under Florida law.

As you walk through, you see Seagulls, Cormorants, Sandhill Cranes, Gray Herons, Hawks, Vultures, Egrets, Night Herons and so many others. Near the end of the center path is the Pelican pool and habitat. This area is open and often has bird visitors dropping in for a swim or some free food. The white Pelican was amazingly huge and friendly.

It's a beautiful place and a great fieldtrip opportunity for kids. We would befinatly recomend it for Your Conservation Program.