The Charlton County Herald reports that Jim Burkhart — Supervisory Visitor Services Specialist at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge — was chosen as the recipient of the 2009 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Sense of Wonder award. Only one person in the USFWS wins the award each year, which recognizes “excellence in interpretation and environmental education.”

From the Herald:

“Okefenokee’s programs, partners, facilities, and displays have set high standards for other refuges to follow,” said a spokesperson for the USFWS. “Burkhart has had a key role bringing teachers and youth to the refuge as well as instilling an appreciation for this natural landmark through outreach programs.”

Under Burkhart’s supervision, the general public is provided with information through interactive exhibits in the Visitor Center, numerous brochures, and interpretive signs along trails.

The ranger has also facilitated radio and television broadcasts by working closely with media personnel and ensuring opportunities to experience the Okefenokee have been of high quality.

Okefenokee NWR is located in southern Georgia and northern Florida, and protects one of the oldest and best preserved freshwater systems in America. The refuge, which was created in 1936, is almost 402,000 acres in size and protects cypress forest, marsh, lakes, islands, alligators, Sandhill cranes, red-cockaded woodpeckers and over 400 other species of animals.

Tags:
National Wildlife Refuge System, Okefenokee NWR, Florida, Georgia, Sense of Wonder Award