Local wildlife experts share their knowledge

The first grade classes at Freeport Elementary School in Walton County enjoyed a special field trip May 14 at Freeport Regional Sports Complex.

Joe Wyatt, naturalist at Hammock Bay gave a demonstration on bluebirds and how important they are to the environment. He also introduced a corn snake. Joe explained what to do if you encounter a snake in the wild. The information came in handy, as when Joe gave a tour along the nature trail, several of the children got to witness a black racer snake in the wild.

Lisa Miller of Wildlife Rehabilitators Partnership was also on hand to educate the children on injured wildlife and to share facts about birds and opossums. Lisa brought some of her rescued animals including a Virginia opossum, named Roo, Oz the barred owl and Wizard the crow.

The Walton County 4H Club was also on hand to teach the children about the environment through interpretations on wildlife survival and a demonstration on conservation.

To learn more about Wildlife Rehabilitators Partnership call Lisa at 850-678-6584 or Kim Henderson at 850-729-0297.