News:
Press Release
May 18, 2016
Students "Explore, Discover & Understand Wetlands Through the Lens of a Camera"
Youth blend technology and outdoors while learning about wildlife and its habitat at The Governor Tom Ridge Wetlands
STATE COLLEGE, PA - The Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation (WFEEF) welcomed students from across Pennsylvania to "Explore, Discover & Understand Wetlands Through the Lens of a Camera" on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM at The Governor Tom Ridge Wetlands in Centre County. Students received experience using the latest technology to capture the natural beauty of the wetlands and its inhabitants. Generous donations from Big Froggy 101, Best Buy and Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park offset the cost of prizes for participants.
After an educational briefing on the history of the wetlands and on the site's features, students explored the preserve, snapping photographs of wildlife and habitat. Students then proceeded to upload pictures onto tablets, creating short presentations featuring their best photos. These presentations were judged by a panel based on quality and creativity.
The Governor Tom Ridge Wetlands Preserve is comprised of over 135 acres, located along Route 220 between Julian and Martha Furnace in Centre County. The site includes about 55 acres of wetlands created by The WHM Group (based in State College with offices in Harrisburg, Delaware Valley and Western Pennsylvania); 15 acres of upland woodland; a quarter-mile of frontage on Bald Eagle Creek, which is a multi-use recreational stream stocked with trout; about 1.5 miles of trails along the wetlands; off-street parking; and 35-40 acres that could be developed by WFEEF in the future.
The event's inception coincided with WFEEF receiving the Best Buy 2013 community grant. The grant's focus was to aid teenagers in building and improving 21st century technology skills. Working with area stores Best Buy Mobile (#2811 - Nittany Mall) and Best Buy State College (#369 - North Atherton Street), WFEEF received $6,880.04 from Best Buy to purchase cameras, tablets, a printer and other related items. Best Buy contributed volunteers to this year's event as well. The WHM Group had an information display booth at the wetlands.
The Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation was established to provide permanent private support for projects and organizations to help enhance Pennsylvania's natural resources as well as promote the rich tradition of hunting and conservation. It is the only foundation that supports all 480 species of wildlife and their habitat in Pennsylvania. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Foundation.
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