BROOKINGS — The Brookings Wildlife Federation will host members of South Dakota State’s Park Interpretation Management Club at the April 10 infolunch at the Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center at 2810 22nd Ave. S.
The club members will inform attendees about the SDSU curriculum and activities in the park management program, and share their experiences as interns at South Dakota’s State Parks.
SDSU’s park management program prepares students by strengthening their communication skills, something that’s essential for interpreters and educators. Through internships and local projects, students gain experience in public engagement.
The club is consulting with the Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown on public information and education practices, and planning educational activities for local elementary schools.
Federation members follow developments at state parks and recreation areas. The federation supports the sale of Habitat Stamps with each hunting and fishing license. Some of the habitat stamp money has been used to improve facilities at Oakwood State Park.
SDSU’s park program club helps students connect to share their interest in parks and the out-of-doors with other students and faculty.
“I am very grateful for the support and interest shown by NRM faculty,” says MacKinzey Jurey, club president.
Club vice president is Grace Caruthers has been to federation infolunches in the past.
“We would love to be able to send students to the annual South Dakota Parks and Rec Association Conference … it would be a great experience for our members,” she wrote.
The Parks and Recreation Association is a group of professionals working to improve public places and recreation in South Dakota. Kristin Zimmerman, parks and rec director for Brookings, is a member of the association. In 2023, the South Dakota Wildlife Federation awarded the Parks and Rec Department their “Educator of the Year Award.”
The city’s parks were recognized for their focus on outdoor education and recreation, as well as sports opportunities. The nomination mentioned the Dakota Nature Park, the bike trail around town, the Brookings Prairie, the urban forestry program, rain-garden demo plot, and the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge (pollinator plantings in public spaces).
A light buffet lunch will be available for a free will donation. The BWF is affiliated with the South Dakota Wildlife Federation and the National Wildlife Federation. The BWF is in its 46th year of supplying conservation information and activities to the Brookings community.
For more information, contact BWF President Bob Kurtz at 605-695-1361.
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