Brownie Troop 839 Visits Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
May, 2004
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is located just outside of Prairie City, approximately 30 miles east of Des Moines on highway 163. It includes over 5,000 acres of tall grass prairie and native Midwest wildlife. There is a large learning center with displays, a theater, administrative offices and a store. Park Rangers are available to work with scout troops on a variety of badges, including:
- "Watching Wildlife" and "Animals" badges for Brownies.
- "Wildlife" and "Ecology" badges for Junior Girl Scouts
- "Wildlife" for Senior Girl Scouts.
Other programs that are ready for the scouts are on endangered species, birds, animals, insects, and water quality testing. All Scouts can also do the variety of hikes and stewardship activities on the refuge. Stewardship opportunities include removing unwanted trees and brush, seed collection, seed cleaning and picking up garbage along the roads. Other programs can be arranged to the scout leaders specifications. For more information, call the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge at 515-994-3400 and ask for the Scout Coordinator. You should schedule all visits at least three weeks in advance. Admission to the park and involvement in Scout programs are free of charge.
