#don edwards wildlife refuge

I took some shots yesterday at “October CRISP.” An even held at the Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge in Fremont, CA to help promote conservation, activism, and help spread education of the local parks, and wildlife. I showed up at 8:45 AM. The fog was thick, and the air was moist, showing the first signs of fall in the Bay Area. I headed straight to where two gentlemen who work for the USDA were giving a demonstration on trapping mammals. The men discussed why it is important to trap wildlife at the preserve, and the importance of tagging the animals. Although the process is stressful for the animals, trapping and tagging help keep track of various animal populations. Trapping also helps rid the ecosystem of invasive species which compete against native animals for food, shelter, and territories. The night before, two traps were set and successfully caught two young male, gray foxes. The group was given a demonstration on how the USDA contains the animals, and how they tag the animals ear. After the foxes were tagged, the men released them back into the marshlands. 

After the Mammal trapping, I tagged along for reptile surveying. The Rangers had various spots were they had put wooden boards to entice reptiles to make for a temporary resting place. Being a cold morning, there didn’t seem much chance of finding any reptiles. Fortunately, by the end of the survey we managed to catch a young Western fence lizard. 

Being outdoors always creates a great learning opportunity not only for children, but adults as well. I learned a few things yesterday, and I’m sure others have learned a little bit more about their local parks and wildlife. Photographing “October CRISP” was a lot of fun, and I am looking forward to more events like it, in the near future! 

Thanks to Ranger, Carmen Minch for the opportunity to document yesterdays events!