3. 1
How to become a Junior Refuge Manager!
The Refuge Manager is responsible for leading a team of staff at a refuge and must be familiar with the land
they are attempting to manage! As a Junior Refuge Manager, you will learn about the refuge, its natural
resources, how and why they are managed, and what each staff members does for their job! Are you
interested in becoming a refuge manager someday? This is a great place to start!
To earn your badge and certificate, complete all the activities required for your age class. Once you have
finished the requirement to become a Junior Refuge Manager, bring your booklet to the Mattamuskeet Visitor
Center at 85 Mattamuskeet Rd, Swan Quarter, NC 27885. A volunteer or staff member will review the booklet
with you and, upon completion, will award you the certificate and badge!
Activity Book:
If you are 4-6 years old, complete 3 activity pages.
If you are 7-9 years old, complete 5 activity pages.
If you are 10+ years old, complete 8 activity pages.
Safety and Rules
To keep visitors and wildlife safe, it is important that Mattamuskeet Junior Refuge Managers set a good
example by following all refuge rules. Here are a few:
Plan ahead and prepare by checking for trail/road
closures and other alerts. Take an adult with you!
Stay on marked trails and boardwalks.
Always be cautious of your surroundings! Be careful of
poisonous plants on trails.
Never feed, touch, or disturb wildlife. Always keep a
safe distance from wildlife.
Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
Swimming is not allowed on the refuge.
Help us keep our refuge clean, dispose all trash into
proper receptacles.
Please be considerate of other visitors.
Adults, Please Read! This is a family activity. You are encouraged to join your child as they complete the activities in
this book. Do not worry about answering all of the questions correctly. Appreciate the beauty of the refuge and share
your feelings as you explore together. Your enthusiasm shows and makes for a wonderful experience.
Place your blue goose stamp here to
remember your visit!
4. 2
What is a National Wildlife Refuge?
National Wildlife Refuge System is a designation for certain protected areas of the United States managed by
the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The National Wildlife Refuge System is the system of public lands
and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife and plants. Since President Theodore Roosevelt
designated Florida's Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge as the first wildlife refuge in 1903, the System has
grown to 565 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts encompassing more than
150,000,000 acres. These refuges can be found all across the United States! Circle your state, how many
refuges can you count in your state? _______ . Which region is it in? _____________ .
What about Mattamuskeet NWR?
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula in Hyde County, North
Carolina, was established in 1934. The Refuge consists of 50,180 acres of open water, marsh, timber, and
croplands. The Refuge’s main feature is the shallow 40,000 acre Lake Mattamuskeet, an excellent place to
bird watch, picnic, crab, and more! But what happened before the refuge was established?
Check out the first activity on the next page!
5. 3
Check out the Visitor Center!
There are a few theories behind how Lake Mattamuskeet was formed, list two.
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As early as the ________’s, the colonial government was interested in digging a ________ from the Pamlico
Sound to the lake to reduce the size of the lake and expose more fertile soil for farming.
Between 1911 and 1934, three companies partnered with the _______________ ______________ ____________
to do what to the lake? _____________________________________________________________________________
The project included creating how many miles of canals? _______________________________________________
What else was constructed that housed four steam driven pumps? _______________________________________
How much water did it pump into the Pamlico Sound? _______________________________________
What was this constructed piece later converted into? _______________________________________
There are four flap gate structures in the ___________, ___________, ___________, and ___________ canals.
These structures have been engineered to allow the passage of what? ____________________________
Ride on the Airboat via our Airboat tour video! Tell us three interesting facts you learned!
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Continue to explore the visitor center!
There are many kiosks loaded with valuable information!
Talk to a volunteer or staff member, feel free to ask them anything about the refuge.
There is a pamphlet section full of materials you are welcome to take home and show your family and friends.
Feel free to write down all the interesting facts you learn on page 14!
Please obey the “staff only” signs.
6. 4
Refuge Career Crossword
The Refuge Manager depends on a diverse team of staff members and helpful volunteers to effectively run a
refuge. Everyone that works at a refuge is given a special set of tasks they must complete. Imagine you are
trying to build a puzzle. Every piece of the puzzle is unique and fits into a certain slot, but together the pieces
create a big picture. This concept is the same when applied to the different positions at the refuge – they are all
unique and have a special slot in the big picture! Can you match the jobs in the word bank to their description?
ACROSS
1 Helps other staff by doing paperwork, answering phones, and managing the office
3 Enforces refuge rules, protects the refuge and its inhabitants
4 Guides and supervises all the people that work on the refuge
5 Repairs and maintains buildings, trails, roads, and equipment on the refuge
8 Assists the manager with refuge operation
9 Studies the plants, animals, and other natural resources
DOWN
2 Gives programs about the refuge and its natural resources to visitors.
6 A student or graduate in a professional field gaining supervised experience
7 Offers to help the refuge without pay.
Word Bank: Law Enforcement, Biologist, Maintenance, Volunteer, Intern, Administrative Officer, Refuge Manager,
Environmental Educator, Deputy Refuge Manager
7. 5
Habitat Detective
A habitat is a place where plants and animals can find food, water, shelter, and space to live. At Mattamuskeet
National Wildlife Refuge, the main types of habitat include: open water, wetland, farmland, and some forest.
For this activity you will act as a biologist as you “research” these habitats. As you explore the refuge, stop at
two separate locations and record your notes below. Try to select two different habitat types if you can!
Date: __________________ Time: __________________ Weather Conditions: _______________________
Habitat Type: __________________
In the box below, draw a picture of a plant, animal, or the landscape. Record what you hear, smell, and anything else you
find interesting. Are there birds singing? Did you see a cool frog or lizard?
Date: __________________ Time: __________________ Weather Conditions: _______________________
Habitat Type: __________________
In the box below, draw a picture of a plant, animal, or the landscape. Record what you hear, smell, and anything else you
find interesting. Are there birds singing? Did you see a cool frog or lizard?
8. 6
Wetland Walk
Step into nature and take a walk along the New Holland Trail, located across from the visitor center and the
canal. See if you notice any wind while walking along the boardwalk. Wetlands are areas known to absorb the
force of wind, which may explain why you see so many insects buzzing about! Wetlands also provide habitat
for all kinds of plants and animals, mainly aquatic species such amphibians, because they collect and hold
flood water. They even help purify water by filtering it, but please do not drink the water. Please watch your
step, the boardwalk may be slippery when wet and snakes enjoy sunbathing on the boards!
Refuge Bingo – As you see plants, animals, and other natural objects on the New Holland trail then cross them
off below. If you see any of these items outside of the New Holland trail, make a check mark instead. If you get
five “marks” in a row, you completed the activity! Can you find them all?
Snake Lichen Black Bear
Frog Mosquito
Sweetgum Leaf Dragonfly Osprey Green Anole
Squirrel
Butterfly
Cypress Knee
FREE SPACE
Fly
Heron
Fern
Turtle Caterpillar Deer
Cypress Tree
Songbird Reeds Damselfly Vine Spider
10. 8
Bird Watching
A very popular recreational activity at this refuge is bird watching! Our refuge lies in the heart of the Atlantic
Flyway, a path which birds follow during their migration from north to south or vice versa. In North American
there are four flyways: Atlantic, Mississippi, Center, and Pacific.
Look at the map and circle the state you live in! Which flyway(s) cover your state? _________________________________.
Depending on the season, you may see colorful migratory songbirds, hardy year-round natives, and vast
numbers of waterbirds! Find a pair of binoculars and head outside to see how many birds you can find. If any
of the birds are on this list, cross them out. Do not be discouraged if you cannot find them all, some birds are
only here certain times of the year!
Mallard Red-headed Woodpecker Barn Swallow Carolina Chickadee
Great Blue Heron Ruby-throated
Hummingbird
Northern
Mockingbird
Snowy Egret
Carolina Wren Canada Goose Osprey Northern Cardinal
11. 9
Swans Galore
Every winter, flocks of Tundra Swans gather at Lake Mattamuskeet to feed on the abundant supply of
submerged aquatic vegetation within the lake. During this time, Mattamuskeet NWR and partners host an
event known as “Swan Days” – which features a series of free programs dedicated to these elegant creatures.
Your attendance and participation in Swan Days automatically counts towards the completion of this activity!
If you attended Swan Days, have a volunteer or staff member sign here: ___________________________________________
Also, do not feel discouraged if you are unable to make it to Swan Days. You can make your own flock of swans!
Origami Swan – Follow the instructions below to create an origami swan. Bring your swan(s) when you turn in the booklet.
1. Start with a square sheet of paper. Fold in half on the diagonal. Unfold.
2. Fold the left and right edges of the paper to meet the central crease made above.
3. Turn the paper over and repeat: fold the left and right edges to meet the central crease.
4. Fold the model in half so the sharp point meets the corner on the opposite side (align the red dots).
5. Fold the sharp point back again about a third of the way; exact distance not important.
6. Fold the model in half vertically (mountain fold to create left and right side of swan). Rotate quarter turn.
7. Gently pull the neck and head of the origami swan away from the body. Done.
Do some research! Write down four interesting facts about Tundra Swans. Ex. Tundra Swans are known as “Whistling Swans”.
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12. 10
Wildlife Scramble
The words below are all names of wildlife found on our refuge – but they are all scrambled! Can you
unscramble the letters to correctly spell the names? Once you have, draw a line from the name to its picture.
tksauMr _______________________________
odWo uDkc _______________________________
rtaeG erEgt _______________________________
onccaoR _______________________________
popreedaCh kaneS _______________________________
ueBl arbC _______________________________
muLrgetlhoa asBs _______________________________
lckBa erBa _______________________________
dRe lofW _______________________________
veRir trOet _______________________________
hiWte-taledi erDe _______________________________
acobBt _______________________________
sEtnare oBx rlTeut _______________________________
13. 11
Pollution Solution
Pollution is harmful chemical or waste products which makes the environment foul or dirty. There are several
forms of pollution which can affect our environment, and each are quite harmful. The types of pollution include:
Air, Water, Noise, Radioactive, Thermal, Light, Visual, and Personal. Although we will not cover all of these
types in this exercise, you are always encouraged to research each type to see if you can prevent it from
becoming worse!
Refuge Stewardship – Being a steward means you care about something and desire to protect it. We want you
to fight against pollution by doing something that makes the refuge or your own home a better place for wildlife!
Listed below are a few project ideas:
Pick up a plastic grocery bag worth of trash outside (remember to wear gloves!)
Start composting your food waste, worms will love it!
Give a short program to your family about pollution!
Learn how to recycle!
Turn off all lights, or anything that may be plugged into an outlet or use electricity, for 8 hours.
Think of your own project!
Write down what you did below. Why do you believe your project was important to people, plants, and
animals? Which of the 9 types of pollution does your project prevent? It can be more than one!
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We must always be mindful of the “footprints” we leave behind.
14. 12
Paquippe Scavenger Hunt
When you think of Mattamuskeet NWR, the first thing that generally comes to mind is North Carolina’s largest
natural lake. In 1585, this lake, once known as “Paquippe” by local Native Americans, covered 120,000 acres
and averaged six to nine feet deep. It was roughly 3 times its current size! As the years progressed, and
settlers attempted to drain the lake for access to more farmland, the lake was renamed Lake Mattamuskeet.
This lake is now 2-3 feet deep on average and stretches to about 40,000 acres.
Head out to the many roads, overlooks, and trails here at the Refuge. Search for the items on the list and place
a check by each one found. Remember to always be mindful of the “footprints” you leave behind!
o Mudflat
When the summer heat kicks in, lake levels lower and expose these important pieces of habitat
that grow vegetation and contain dozens of small aquatic organisms. Perfect food for waterfowl.
o Boardwalk or Overlook
These are built to help us get a closer look at wetland and lake species while simultaneously
protecting plants and wildlife species from being stepped on.
o Levee
Made of soil and are built to retain water within the impoundments; these help staff raise and
lower water levels using pumps to create additional habitat and food sources for wildlife.
o Flock of Birds
When observing the lake or surrounding impoundments, it is not uncommon to see a flock of
waterbirds lingering around! If you can identify the species, let us know!
o Pump
Used by staff members to pump the water out of the impoundments into the lake. You should
see two long metal shafts with fencing on opposite sides of each other.
o Gate Structure
There are four sets of gates on this refuge which prevent water from the Pamlico Sound from
entering lake while also allowing the lake to release water into the sound.
o Lodge
The Mattamuskeet Lodge was once the largest pump house in the world. It was later converted
into a hunting lodge which also hosted banquets, weddings, and dances; until it was closed for
remodeling.
o Phragmites
A non-native, invasive reed species which grows in tall patches along the water’s edge.
15. 13
Word Mini-Dictionary
See a word you are not too sure about? Look up the definition of your mystery word in our mini-dictionary
below. If you still cannot find your mystery word, write it in one of the blank spaces provided so you can do
some research at home!
Amphibian – a cold-blooded vertebrate animal of a class that comprises the frogs, toads, newts, and
salamanders. They are distinguished by having an aquatic gill-breathing larval stage followed (typically) by a
terrestrial lung-breathing adult stage.
Carrion – deceased animals in the process of decay.
Conundrum – a question asked for amusement, typically one with a pun in its answer; a riddle.
Flyway – a route regularly used by large numbers of migrating birds.
Migration – seasonal movement of animals from one region to another.
Origami – the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures.
Radioactive – the spontaneous emission of a stream of particles or electromagnetic rays in nuclear decay
Thermal – relating to or associated with heat
Waterbirds – a bird that swims and lives in or near water
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17. 15
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
Junior Refuge Manager
This certifies that
___________________________________________________________________
has successfully completed the Junior Refuge Manager program at
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge.
Signed: _________________________________ Date: ____________________
Refuge Volunteer/Staff
18. 16
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
85 Mattamuskeet Road
Swan Quarter, NC 27885
Telephone: 252-926-4021
Website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/mattamuskeet/
Follow us on Facebook:
Lake Mattamuskeet
@LakeMattamuskeet
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1-800-334-WILD
www.fws.gov
Special Thanks: Minnesota Valley NWR, San Francisco Bay NWR, Okefenokee NWR
Photos: Kelcie Severs, Audubon Society, free clipart sites, USFWS
Cover created by Kelcie Severs (General Intern, Summer 2016)
