Photo by Aldis Garsvo
Contents

Junior Rangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Public Lands Belong to You! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Did You Know? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

What is Habitat?..................................................... 3

Activity: How’s Your Habitat? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Different Places, Different Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Activity: Who Lives Here? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Activity: A-Maze-ing Habitats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Activity: One Size Doesn’t Fit All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Activity: Find the Sonoran Desert Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Activity: Bring the Sonoran Desert to Life! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Changes to the Landscape Cause Habitat Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Activity: Threats to Wildlife Habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Wonderful Wildlife: Fun Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Habitat for Sage-Grouse: There’s No Place Like Sagebrush Steppe . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Activity: Calculate Canopy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Being a Good Steward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Florida Kids Help Their Feathered Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

In the Spotlight: BLM Fisheries Biologist Brad Tribby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Activity: Crack the Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

BLM Career Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Activity: Get Connected—What Do You See? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Junior Ranger Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Answer Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Ready for More? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inside back cover
1

Junior 

Rangers

The Junior Ranger program introduces 

young adventurers to the lands and 

resources managed by the Bureau of 

Land Management (BLM). We hope you 

enjoy the activities in this book. When 

you are finished, cut out the Junior 

Ranger certificate on page 25. Then, 

say the Junior Ranger pledge and sign 

the certificate. We invite you to join the 

adventure!

Public Lands 

Belong To You!

The BLM is a federal government agency that takes care of 

nearly 245 million acres of public land. These lands belong to 

all Americans, including you. Most are in the Western United 

States. The BLM also manages a number of smaller sites in the 

Eastern United States.

The BLM manages public lands for many uses. These lands 

provide natural resources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. They 

provide habitat for wildlife, food for grazing animals, and timber 

for people. The lands contain evidence of the past, such as 

dinosaur bones and plant fossils. Archaeological sites on public 

lands help us learn about people who lived here long ago. Today, 

people enjoy exploring the big open spaces on the lands.

1
2

Did You Know?

Our public lands and waters are home to more than 

3,000 species of wildlife—from tiny fairy shrimp 

that live out their lives in small, temporary pools, to 

huge caribou that travel hundreds of miles between 

summer and winter homes. The forests, deserts, 

grasslands, mountains, coastal areas, and other 

landscapes provide an incredible variety of habitat 

types. The survival of threatened and endangered 

species depends on healthy habitats. The BLM 

manages more wildlife habitat than any other federal 

or state agency.

WORDS TO KNOW

• wildlife: animals that 

have never been tamed by 

humans

• resources: materials and 

elements that satisfy the 

needs of a living thing

• habitat: the natural 

environment where an 

animal finds what it needs 

to live and reproduce

2
3

What is Habitat?

Home Sweet Habitat

Habitat is the place where an animal finds everything it needs to survive and 

reproduce. Habitat is where an animal finds the right food, water, and shelter from 

the weather and predators. It also provides enough space for the animal to escape 

threats and to raise young. There are many different types of habitats found 

in forests, grasslands, deserts, mountains, rivers, and coastal areas.

Activity: How’s Your Habitat?

What about you? What do you need to survive? Where do you find food, water, shelter, and space?

3

Draw a picture of your habitat. Show or tell where you find the food, water, shelter, and space that you need to 

survive and grow.
4

Different 

Places,

Different 

Spaces

Wildlife habitats are as varied as the 

animals that inhabit them. Each species 

has its specific needs for food, water, 

shelter, and space. Food sources might 

include plants, seeds, or other animals. 

Some animals drink from streams and 

lakes to satisfy their thirst. Others get 

most of their water by eating fruit 

or succulent leaves. An underground 

burrow is shelter for some, while 

others hide under rocks or scramble 

up trees.

Activity: 

Who Lives Here?

Read about some of the wild 

inhabitants of public lands. Draw a line 

to match the animal on the left with 

the habitat type on the right.

Kangaroo Rat

• Can survive without ever 

drinking water; draws 

moisture from diet of seeds

• Conserves body fluid; spends 

hot days in underground burrow

• Predators include owls, bobcats, snakes, 

hawks, and foxes

Northern Spotted Owl

• Nests in holes in standing dead trees 

(snags) and abandoned squirrel nests

• Hunts at night by diving through air 

to catch prey

• Eats small rodents, mostly flying 

squirrels, voles, and woodrats; has 

strong beak to tear flesh and break bones

Little Brown Bat

• Roosts in dead trees, old buildings, and caves 

where temperature doesn’t change much

• Can detect tiny objects in total darkness

• Can catch and consume more than 

1,000 insects in 1 hour

• May migrate long distances from 

summer roosts to winter hibernation sites

Larch Mountain Salamander

• Shelters in deep crevices, under rocks, 

and in rotten wood in forests

• Predators include shrews 

and snakes

• Is most active in spring 

and autumn, when weather 

is cool and damp

Pronghorn

• Eats mostly flowering plants, 

shrubs, and brush

• Can reach speeds up to 60 mph 

• Lives in large herds of up to 1,000 

individuals; during winter, may migrate 

hundreds of miles in search of food 

• Finds shelter along steep riverbanks 

and ravines

Brown Pelican

• Uses long, broad wings to glide over the 

ocean in search of prey

• Feeds by “dive bombing,” which stuns 

its prey, usually fish; also eats some 

amphibians and crustaceans

• Builds large (up to 30 inches in diameter) 

nests of sticks lined with grass and leaves

4
5

Cave, Malta, Montana

• Temperature within the cave ranges from 

45-47 degrees Fahrenheit year round

• Nearby water sources

• Plentiful insects in the area except during winter

Tidal wetland, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse 

Outstanding Natural Area, Florida

• Adjacent to a lagoon, 1/4 mile from the Atlantic Ocean

• Plentiful fish of many sizes and varieties

• Areas of dense shrubs, palm trees, mangroves, 

and sand bars

• Warm water

Grassy plains, Upper Missouri River Breaks 

National Monument, Montana

• Native plants such as sagebrush, rabbitbrush, 

and wheatgrass

• Wide open spaces

• Home to fast predators, such as golden eagles, 

wolves, coyotes, and bobcats

• Plentiful water sources

Open desert scrub, Sonoran Desert 

National Monument, Arizona

• Hottest American desert 

• Generally dry, but with two rainy seasons; rain often 

evaporates before reaching ground

• More than 2,000 native plant species, 

including cactus and mesquite

• At least 60 mammal, 20 amphibian, 100 reptile, and 350 

bird species, most featuring specific desert adaptations 

Old-growth forest, 

Headwaters Forest Reserve, California

• Redwood trees with heights of more than 300 feet

• Snags (standing dead trees) that provide nests and 

dens for more than 40 animal species

• Fallen trees and branches that shelter rodents and 

other small animals

• Moist air from dense summer fog sometimes causes 

“rain” to fall from redwood leaves

Forested slopes, Columbia River Gorge, 

Oregon and Washington

• Up to 4,000 feet deep

• Loose, rocky slopes on both sides of gorge

• Piles of decaying wood on the ground

• Volcanic rubble at entrances to lava tubes

5
6

Activity: A-Maze-ing Habitats

Solve the mazes to help each animal find an important habitat 

component. Then complete the sentences using the words 

from the box. Use each word only once.

1. Seeds contain food and ___________ for the kangaroo rat. 2. A mosquito is ___________ for the little brown bat.

3. The grasslands give the pronghorn ___________ 

to find food and to flee from predators.

4. For the salamander, rocks provide ___________ 

from the sun and safety from predators.

6

Components of habitat:

food shelter

water space
7

Activity: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Though desert conditions are harsh to humans, deserts are home to many types of wildlife. Of the deserts 

found in North America, the Sonoran Desert has the largest variety of habitats. This desert is more than 

100,000 square miles and is located mostly in Arizona. Its wide valleys, mountain ranges, and forests of 

saguaro cactus are habitat for numerous wildlife species. The sizes of the habitats vary as widely as the 

animals that make their homes there.

The Sonoran Desert provides habitat for the desert tortoise, desert bighorn sheep, and golden eagle. Read 

about each of these desert dwellers. Use the tables to record what each needs for food, water, shelter, and 

space (some information has been filled in for you). Then, look for each habitat component on the map on 

page 9. Identify each map unit (using A, B, C, D, etc.) where you find that component.

Desert Tortoise 

Sonoran desert tortoises live on the lower slopes of 

mountains, where they eat wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, 

and young cactus. These plants provide most of 

their water needs. Adults can live for an entire 

year without drinking water. Tortoises dig 

burrows under rocks and shrubs to provide 

shade and protection from ravens, foxes, 

coyotes, and other predators. An adult 

male desert tortoise can find everything 

it needs to survive in an area of about 

1/10 of a square mile.

Sonoran Desert 

Tortoise* Description or Examples

Location(s) on Map of 

Habitat Component

Food

Water Moisture in the plants they eat D, E, and F

Shelter

Space About 1/10 of a square mile

* Note: Desert tortoise food, water, and shelter locations on the map will be 

below the rock face since the desert tortoise cannot climb the rock face.

7
8

Desert Bighorn Sheep

Desert bighorn sheep roam large expanses of the Sonoran Desert in search of food—grasses, 

wildflowers, shrubs, and cactus. The water content of the plants allows them to go for days 

without drinking. Bighorn sheep have excellent eyesight and can see predators from far 

away. They can’t outrun mountain lions, but they can outclimb them. So they keep close 

to mountains, cliffs, and rock faces. These rugged areas also provide shelter under 

overhanging rocks and in caves.

Desert Bighorn Sheep Description or Examples

Location(s) on Map of 

Habitat Component

Food

Water

Shelter Caves, overhanging rocks, cliffs, and mountains A, B, and C

Space

Golden Eagle

Golden eagles are among the largest raptors in North America. Adults have wing spans of 

6 to 7 1/2 feet. These powerful hunters travel hundreds of miles in search of food. 

With eagle-eyesight, they can spot food more than a mile away. Diving upon prey, 

their speeds exceed 150 miles per hour. In the open, smaller animals, such as mice, 

desert tortoises, jackrabbits, and foxes, have little chance of escaping the eagle’s 

talons. Golden eagles can also take down deer and young bighorn sheep. The water 

content of prey satisfies most of their water needs. High on mountainsides, out of reach of 

most predators, adult pairs build their nests. Caves and overhanging rocks provide shelter 

from the desert sun.

Golden Eagle Description of Examples 

Locations on Map of 

Habitat Component

Food Jackrabbits, mice, foxes, young deer, tortoises, 

young bighorn sheep

A, D, E, F, G, H, and I

Water

Shelter

Space

8
9
10

Activity: Find the Sonoran Desert Wildlife

The Sonoran Desert is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Some of them are pictured here. Can you find the names 

in the word search puzzle? Hint: Names appear frontwards, backwards, vertically, horizontally, and diagonally.

centipede

desert bighorn sheep

desert tortoise

fox

golden eagle

great horned owl

hummingbird

jackrabbit

javelina

kangaroo rat

lizard

mule deer

pygmy owl

quail

rattlesnake

roadrunner

scorpion

spider wasp tarantula

turkey vulture

10
11

Activity: Bring the Sonoran Desert to Life!

Color the animals and the desert habitat. How many 

different animals did you find?
12

Changes to the Landscape

Cause Habitat Loss

Natural occurrences, such as earthquakes, wildfire, floods, and 

windstorms, can cause dramatic changes to habitat in a short period of 

time. Other changes—such as the shifting of a shoreline by the constant 

pounding of waves—are more gradual.

Human activity can also lead to loss of habitat. Wild areas disappear 

to make space for farms and towns. Cutting down trees or forests, 

or deforestation, means less habitat for woodland animals. As 

our population grows, natural areas are cleared for new housing 

developments. New roads to take people from one place to another 

divide up, or fragment, wildlife habitat. 

Activity: Threats to Wildlife Habitat

The clues below describe things that can cause the destruction of wildlife 

habitat. Fill in the blanks with the missing words to complete the crossword 

puzzle on the right.

Across

5. The sudden and violent shaking of the Earth’s crust—called an 

________________ —can cause both small and dramatic changes to the land.

7. ________________ occurs when a river, stream, or other body of water overflows land.

9. Contamination of the air, water, or land is called ________________.

10. When new ________________ are built to connect people, habitats are fragmented.

11. A beaver ________________ can change the area around a stream into a pond or wetland.

12. A lightning strike, or the careless actions of just one person, can spark a destructive ________________. 

Down

1. As more homes are needed for humans, ________________ developments replace natural areas.

2. The changing of ________________ causes habitats to change in a cycle that repeats every year.

3. One of the main causes of habitat loss is the clearing of land for agriculture, or ________________.

4. The clearing of forests is called _________________.

6. Extreme winds of storms, such as ________________, can knock down trees and change wildlife habitat 

in a matter of minutes.

8. When a ________________ erupts, lava and hot ash can bury both plants and animals.

WORDS TO KNOW

• deforestation: the removal 

of trees or forests from an 

area

• fragment: divide an area 

into smaller parts that are 

not connected

12
13

Write the circled letters here: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

Unscramble the letters to complete the following: 

When habitats are threatened or destroyed, animals must 

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ in order to survive.

13
14

Wonderful Wildlife: 

Fun Facts

Discover some of the amazing animals that 

inhabit our public lands. Then, unscramble the 

letters to learn the state where the BLM site is 

located. Write the name of the state on the map.

4. Northern elephant seals migrate thousands of miles to “haul out” on the 

beaches of the Piedras Blancas Light Station Outstanding Natural Area. 

This stretch of coastline is an important breeding area for these onceendangered marine mammals. 

ICONAFLAIR __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

2. Rocky Mountain bighorn are the largest wild sheep in North 

America. The sheep have split hooves with padded soles. This 

adaptation helps them leap from ledge to ledge 

along steep cliffs. The Whiskey Mountain 

Bighorn Sheep Area is home 

to the largest wintering 

herd. OMGYWIN 

__ __ __ __ __ __ __

6. Fort Stanton Cave

is the largest cave managed by the BLM and one of the longest 

caves in the country. For thousands of Townsend’s big-eared 

bats, it is a winter home (or hibernaculum). 

ICONEXMEW __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

1. Muskoxen were once nearly 

extinct. Today, thousands 

of the 

bushyhaired bovines make 

their home on the Arctic tundra. These massive 

mammals munch grasses and tiny arctic 

willows on BLM-managed lands along 

the Dalton Highway. 

KLAAAS __ __ __ __ __ __

5. Wildlife 

of the 

Cottonwood 

Canyon 

Wilderness 

Area are well-adapted to their 

desert home. Chuckwalla lizards 

hydrate by eating a lot of fruits, 

flowers, and waxy leaves. Gila 

monsters, on the other hand, are guzzlers. By storing water in 

their bladders, they can go for weeks without a drink! 

HAUT __ __ __ __

3. Vistors to the 

Wildwood Recreation 

Site get an underwater view of salmon in the 

fish’s natural freshwater habitat. The Cascade 

Streamwatch has a viewing window built right 

into the banks of the Salmon River. 

ONGOER __ __ __ __ __ __
15

8. Every spring, nearly 800 pairs of 

raptors—falcons, eagles, hawks, and 

owls—descend on the Morley Nelson 

Snake River Birds of Prey National 

Conservation Area. They come to 

nest and raise their young. This 

unique landscape has one of 

the densest concentrations 

of nesting raptors in the 

world. 

OHIDA 

__ __ __ __ __

7. Snout to 

tail, paddlefish can 

reach more than 5 feet 

in length. This species has 

been around millions of years (since 

the Late Cretaceous period). Paddlefish can be found in the waters 

of the Upper Missouri Wild and Scenic River. 

ANNATOM __ __ __ __ __ __ __

12. West Indian manatees pass 

through the waters bordering 

the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse 

Outstanding Natural Area. Manatees 

feed on sea grasses that grow along the 

shore. To help this endangered sea 

mammal, the BLM is working 

with other agencies and local 

governments to restore 

“manatee grass.” 

IDOLFAR __ __ __ __ __ __ __

10. At Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, 

California condors raised in captivity are 

released in the wild. Tip to tip, 

their wings can span more 

than 9 feet. By wingspan, 

these raptors are one of the 

largest birds in the world. 

NOIZARA

__ __ __ __ __ __ __

13. At 13,185 feet, 

Mosquito Pass is one of 

the highest roads in the U.S. There, pintsized pikas make “haystacks” of grasses and flowers to dry in 

the sun. To survive winter, a pika must gather enough “hay” 

to fill a bathtub. COOLROAD __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

9. At dawn and dusk, Rocky Mountain elk graze 

on native grasses near the Ely Elk Viewing Area. 

During the day, they tend to hide behind sagebrush 

shrubs. Antlers on the majestic males can reach 

4 feet above their heads. 

ANDEVA __ __ __ __ __ __ 

11. At the Meadowood Special Recreation Management 

Area, when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, 

wood frogs freeze—literally frozen stiff, their hearts stop 

beating. But these hardy amphibians do not 

die. Warm weather thaws them and 

brings them out of hibernation. 

IVAIRING __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
16

Habitat for Sage-Grouse: There’s No 

Place Like Sagebrush Steppe

The greater sage-grouse is a bird found in western shrublands where sagebrush is the main, or dominant, 

plant. These ground-dwelling birds depend on sagebrush for food and shelter. During the winter, sagebrush 

leaves are the only thing sage-grouse will eat. In spring, females build nests, lay eggs, and raise their young 

in the shelter of the sagebrush. Without sagebrush, the sage-grouse cannot survive. 

Scientists have learned that sage-grouse need a certain amount of leaf cover, or canopy, for nesting. Female 

sage-grouse generally will not build nests if there is too little or too much sagebrush canopy. They 

need to hide their nests from predators. But they also need open space 

nearby. They need space to move about in search of food. They also 

need space for raising their chicks.

To help the greater sage-grouse, BLM scientists need to know if an area 

has the right amount of sagebrush canopy for nesting. Through research, 

scientists have learned that sage-grouse do best where the sagebrush 

covers about 15 to 25% of an area. By estimating the sagebrush canopy 

of a particular area, scientists know if more plants, or fewer plants, are 

needed to make it suitable for sage-grouse nesting.

Activity: Calculate Canopy

Method 1: One way scientists estimate canopy is with the point transect 

method. It’s as simple as laying down a straight line, such as a rope, and 

noting what is on the ground at certain points on the line. They 

use this information to estimate the amount of canopy 

for a larger area. This technique is especially good for 

estimating sagebrush canopy in areas where 

greater sage-grouse live.

WORDS TO KNOW

• shrubland: an area where 

shrubs are the primary 

vegetation

• dominant: most common, 

main

• cover: something that 

protects, shelters, or hides 

an animal

• canopy: the combined, 

including overlapping, 

leaves of a community 

of plants

16
17

Use the diagram of the point transect to estimate sagebrush canopy. 

Use the table to identify what is found at each number—bare 

ground, sagebrush, wildflowers, grass, or leaf litter. If there are no 

plants or litter at a number, mark “bare ground.” You will use the 

results to determine if this habitat has the right amount of sagebrush 

canopy for greater sage-grouse nesting. Remember, the best amount 

of sagebrush canopy for nesting is about 15 to 25% in an area.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total

Bare 

ground

Litter 

Grasses

Wildflowers

Sagebrush 

canopy

1. How many points on the transect have sagebrush canopy? _____

2. Take the number of sagebrush canopy points and put it over 10 to make a 

fraction. _____ /10

3. Write your fraction as a percent (multiply the number of sagebrush canopy 

points by 10). What percent of sagebrush canopy cover did you find in the 

transect sample? _____ x 10 = _____ %

4. Is this the best amount of sagebrush canopy for sage-grouse nesting? Explain.

Method 2: Another method scientists use to measure canopy is with a quadrat. A quadrat is a square 

frame that has been divided into smaller units. Use the diagram of the quadrat to measure the percentage 

of sagebrush canopy cover. Count the number of squares in each quadrat covered by each type of ground 

cover—sagebrush, wildflowers, grass, or leaf litter. If only part of the square is covered, count the entire 

square. The quadrat is divided into 100 smaller squares (1 unit square = 1%).

Percent of area covered

Sagebrush %

Wildflowers %

Grass %

Litter %

1. What part or percentage of the area was covered by sagebrush 

canopy? ____ %

2. Is this a suitable amount for sage-grouse nesting? Explain.

3. Did you get the same or different results from the two methods?

4. Which method do you think is more accurate?

17
18

Being a Good Steward

As a Junior Ranger, you have a role in protecting wildlife and their 

habitats. Like the people who work for the BLM, you can be a steward

of public lands.

Stewardship is the careful 

and responsible treatment of 

something valuable. Each 

person can do his or her part 

to care for public lands and 

their resources. By being 

good stewards, people 

limit the effect of their 

activities on the environment. They can 

help ensure that future generations will be able to use 

and enjoy public lands and that important habitats will 

be conserved.

Here are some things you can do to protect wildlife and 

their habitats when you explore the outdoors:

• Observe and photograph wildlife from a distance.

Limit noise and stay downwind when possible.

• Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife can damage their 

health and change natural behaviors.

• “Trash your trash.” Bring a bag or other container to 

carry out your trash.

• Control pets at all times. Better yet, leave them 

at home.

• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times. These times 

include cold winters (when food may be scarce), 

mating and nesting seasons, and when animals are 

rearing their young.

Know before you go...

The key to a safe outing is what you do before you leave home. Learn 

what you can about your destination. Information will help 

make the trip more enjoyable, and you will be prepared to 

minimize your impact on the environment.

For more information, visit the 

Leave No Trace website: www.LNT.org

WORDS TO KNOW

• steward: someone who 

protects or is responsible 

for land or property

• stewardship: the 

safeguarding of something 

of value, such as land or 

property

18
19

Florida Kids Help Their 

Feathered Friends

At the BLM’s Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area in south 

Florida, local kids—including Scouts and high school environmental sciences 

students—volunteer regularly to help improve wildlife habitat.

The area is home to more than 25 animal species that need special 

attention, including the Florida scrub-jay. This bird depends on scrub oak, 

a tree that grows in sandy soils, for much of its food and for nesting sites. 

Acorns are by far the Florida scrub-jay’s most important food. From August 

to November, each scrub-jay may harvest and bury 6,000-8,000 scrub 

oak acorns throughout its territory. The birds then retrieve and eat these 

supplies during the winter months.

Unfortunately, populations of Florida scrub-jay have decreased, mainly 

because of damage to their habitat. At Jupiter Inlet, a major threat to scrub 

oak habitat is the so-called love vine. But there is nothing loving about this 

parasite. As it grows, it wraps around an oak tree’s trunk and branches. 

Using tiny suction cups, it sucks water and nutrients from the host plant. 

Invasion by love vine harms the health and reproduction rate of the oaks, 

sometimes even killing them. And without scrub oaks, the Florida 

scrub-jay cannot survive.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has said that 

the survival of the Florida scrub-jay depends greatly on 

maintaining and improving scrub oak habitat on public lands in south 

Florida. This includes the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural 

Area. Luckily, the BLM can rely on 

helping hands in removing this 

tough invasive plant. The 

efforts of many young, 

dedicated volunteers 

have helped to make 

this special area a 

safe haven for the 

Florida scrub-jay.

WORDS TO KNOW

• parasite: a living thing that 

lives on or inside another 

living thing, causing harm

• host: the plant or animal 

that supports a particular 

parasite

• invasive plant: a nonnative 

plant that may take over a 

community of native plants

19
20

In the Spotlight: 

BLM Fisheries Biologist Brad Tribby Rawlins, Wyoming

Growing up on public lands... 

Growing up in Miles City, Montana, Brad Tribby’s shoes were nearly always dirty. When Brad wasn’t in school 

or helping with chores, he was outside—baseball, soccer, and football in the warm weather and hockey in 

the winter. Summer vacation meant biking and hiking with friends, swimming, fishing, and just exploring. Like 

most kids, he enjoyed TV and video games, but virtual adventures were no match for exploring the outdoors.

Like father, like son...

Throughout middle school and high school, Brad went hiking and camping with his dad, a BLM wildlife 

biologist. This meant a lot of time on BLM lands. On one particular trip, Brad remembers, he caught a fish 

that had a tag attached to it. This meant that someone was studying the fish. Brad knew he could help by 

reporting information about the fish. After calling the local fish and wildlife agency, Brad received a letter 

telling him all about the fish—when and where it was tagged, and its length and weight at that time. Brad 

was very curious to learn why that information was important. The experience was a turning point in Brad’s 

life, and he decided he might become a fisheries biologist.

Hooked on fisheries...

After graduating from high school, Brad went to college where he studied a wide range of subjects, including 

biology. He also volunteered as a science intern with fisheries biologists, observing and experiencing their 

day-to-day work. Fisheries biology was a good fit—Brad was hooked!

20
In the Spotlight, continued

Brad joins the BLM...

Managing fisheries resources on more than 3 million acres of public 

land keeps Brad busy. “One week I’ll be estimating populations of fish. 

The next week I’m planting willow trees along a stream. A big part of 

my work is making sure fish habitat remains healthy. Streams and rivers 

need to have the right amount of gravel, rocks, and woody debris for 

the fish to thrive. They also must have the right plants along the banks. Another important part of my job 

is working with people, such as anglers, who use the public land resources. I can’t be everywhere, so it’s 

important to find out what they see and experience. I also want to know what we can do to improve their 

recreation experiences.”

Preparing the next generation...

When Brad isn’t out in the field or working in his office, you might find him visiting a school. He knows that 

the future health of our river and stream habitats depends on today’s students. Brad wants them to know 

that the subjects they are studying—reading, writing, and math—are essential to his work as a scientist. “I 

read scientific journals to learn the latest about the fish and to learn how to improve fish habitat. I write 

to persuade organizations to donate money for projects, and I write reports on how those projects are 

going. I need to know the average lengths and weights of the fish, the size of the populations, and if those 

populations are increasing or decreasing. I create tables, graphs, and maps to communicate this information 

with other scientists and resource managers.”

The best part of the job...

“There is nothing more rewarding for me than seeing people out fishing on a stream that I’ve worked 

tirelessly on,” Brad explains. He also enjoys giving and getting advice from the other anglers. “I love 

managing fisheries so future generations will have the same recreation experiences that I value so much.”

Activity: Crack the Code

Brad has a message for Junior Rangers. Can you decode it? 

“Put down the ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ . Go ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ . ___ ___ ___ ___ 

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ . ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ . Get ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ . 

Just ___ ___ ___ ___ ! The ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ has so much to offer and 

is ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ !”

 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

19 3 18 5 5 14 19

3 1 20 3 8 4 9 18 20 25

16 12 1 25 15 21 20 4 15 15 18 19

9 14 3 18 5 4 9 2 12 25 18 5 23 1 18 4 9 14 7

1 6 9 19 8

15 21 20 19 9 4 5 20 1 11 5

1 8 9 11 5

21
22

BLM Career Profiles

Preserving and restoring healthy habitats for the wildlife that live on our public lands requires many skilled 

and dedicated people. If you are interested in wildlife and habitats, you might consider a future career with 

the BLM. Here are descriptions of some of the exciting careers available for people who want to serve on our 

public lands.

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife biologists study and monitor 

wildlife and their habitats in a particular 

area. They observe and research the impacts 

that human activities have on the natural area. Some 

wildlife biologists spend much of their time out on the 

public lands gathering information about the animals and 

their natural habitats. They work with other specialists 

to improve habitats by constructing fences and nesting 

structures, restoring vegetation, and protecting 

sources of water. Many wildlife biologists specialize 

in areas such as mammalogy, herpetology, and 

ornithology. To become a wildlife biologist, you 

should study biology, zoology, plant science, 

and ecology in college.

Conservation 

Scientist

Conservation scientists manage the 

overall quality of BLM lands, including 

deserts, shrublands, forests, wetlands, and 

coastal areas. These scientists ensure that 

native plant communities and the wildlife 

that use them as habitat are protected and 

conserved. BLM conservation scientists 

have college degrees in forestry, 

biology, ecology, botany, or related 

sciences.

Fisheries Biologist

Fisheries biologists study and monitor 

fish in their natural habitats—creeks, rivers, 

ponds, and lakes. Their work includes researching 

populations of fish, monitoring migration, and 

observing spawning. They keep a close watch on natural 

events and human activities that can threaten fish habitats. 

Fisheries biologists spend much of their time in the field. 

Their work can involve collecting soil, water, plants, and 

even fish specimens. This helps them determine if fish 

populations are healthy or unhealthy, safe or threatened. 

They help protect and improve fish habitats. To 

work as a fisheries biologist for the BLM, you 

need a college degree in animal science, 

oceanography, aquatic biology, or a 

related field.

22
23

Fire Technician

BLM fire technicians work to prevent, 

control, and extinguish fires. They do this 

in a number of ways, including reducing grasses, 

dry shrubs, dead branches, and other “fire fuels” 

that burn easily. They collect weather information to 

predict how a fire will behave. Using this information, 

they devise plans to control wildfire to prevent or reduce 

damage to wildlife habitat. The minimum requirements 

for working in fire management are a high school 

diploma and experience fighting wildfire. College 

courses in fire ecology, forestry, mathematics, 

engineering, and biology are also valuable to 

careers in fire management.

Park Ranger

Park rangers spend most of their time 

outdoors monitoring natural and cultural 

resources, including habitats and wildlife, on 

our public lands. They also help ensure the safety 

of the people who enjoy visiting public lands. These 

lands are used for many purposes; park rangers must be 

able to communicate that idea to visitors. This requires an 

understanding of natural and cultural resources and the laws 

protecting those resources. Park rangers often work closely with 

local governments and the people who have an interest in using 

public lands—including ranchers, farmers, miners, foresters, 

and recreation enthusiasts. College degrees are desirable 

but not always required. Most BLM park rangers have 

degrees in fields such as recreation management, 

conservation, botany, geology, forestry, and 

wildlife management.

23
24

Activity: Get Connected—What Do You See?

Here are some clues to help you:

• Males are famous for their big, curling horns, which 

can weigh as much as 30 pounds.

• Their keen vision and rough hooves help them 

move easily in rugged terrain.

• They are herbivores, which means 

they eat only plants.

Answer: __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 

24
25

Bureau of Land Management

Junior Ranger

As a Bureau of Land Management Junior Ranger, I promise to:

• Do all I can to help preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources on America’s public lands.

• Be aware of how my actions can affect other living things and the evidence of our past.

• Keep learning about the importance of nature and our cultural heritage.

• Share what I have learned with others!

________________________ _______________________________

Date Junior Ranger Signature
26

Cut out and 

save certificate
27

Answer Key

Activity: Who Lives Here?

Kangaroo Rat [ Open desert scrub

Northern Spotted Owl [ Old-growth forest

Little Brown Bat [ Cave

Larch Mountain Salamander [ Forested slopes

Pronghorn [ Grassy plains

Brown Pelican [ Tidal wetland

Activity: A-Maze-ing Habitats

1. water

2. food

3. space

4. shelter

Activity: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Sonoran Desert 

Tortoise Description or Examples

Location(s) on Map of 

Habitat Component

Food Wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and young 

cactus

D, E, and F

Water Moisture in the plants they eat D, E, and F

Shelter Burrows under rocks and shrubs D and F

Space About 1/10 of a square mile

27
28

Activity: One Size Doesn’t Fit All (continued)

Desert Bighorn 

Sheep Description or Examples

Location(s) on Map of 

Habitat Component

Food Grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and cactus A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I

Water Water in the plants they eat A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I

Shelter Caves, overhanging rocks, cliffs, and 

mountains

A, B, and C

Space Large expanses of the Sonoran Desert

Golden Eagle Description of Examples 

Locations on Map of 

Habitat Component

Food Jackrabbits, mice, foxes, young deer, 

tortoises, young bighorn sheep

A, D, E, F, G, H, and I

Water Water content of their prey A, D, E, F, G, H, and I

Shelter Nests high on mountainsides; caves and 

overhanging rocks

A, B and C

Space Hundreds of square miles

Activity: Threats to Wildlife Habitat

Across Down

5. earthquake 1. housing

7. flooding 2. seasons

9. pollution 3. farming

10. roads 4. deforestation

11. dam 6. tornadoes

12. wildfire 8. volcano

When habitats are threatened or destroyed, animals 

must ADAPT OR MOVE in order to survive.

Wonderful Wildlife: Fun Facts

1. Alaska 8. Idaho

2. Wyoming 9. Nevada

3. Oregon 10. Arizona

4. California 11. Virginia

5. Utah 12. Florida

6. New Mexico 13. Colorado

7. Montana

Activity: Calculate Canopy

Method 1

1. 6

2. 6/10

3. 6 x 10 = 60%

4. No, because it is greater than 15-25%.

Method 2

1. 44%

2. No, because it is greater than 15-25%.

3. Different

4. Answers may vary.

Activity: Crack the Code

“Put down the screens. Go outside. Take a hike. 

Catch a fish. Get dirty. Just play! The outdoors has so 

much to offer and is incredibly rewarding!”

Activity: Who Are We?

Answer: bighorn sheep

Activity: Find the Sonoran Desert Wildlife

28
Ready For More?

Visit these BLM websites to learn more about wildlife and habitats:

BLM Learning Landscapes: blm.gov/education

BLM Volunteers: blm.gov/volunteer

Find your public library: harvester.census.gov/imls/search

Locate a nature center or natural area: discovertheforest.org

Watchable Wildlife has a network of wildlife viewing areas in every state. Look for a brown sign with white 

binoculars, or visit the Watchable Wildlife website to locate viewing areas: wildlifeviewingareas.com

Visit these sites for help in planning your public lands adventure: blm.gov/recreation and recreation.gov

This publication was produced by the BLM Division of Education, Interpretation, and Partnerships. 

Production services were provided by the BLM National Operations Center, Information and Publishing 

Services Section.

Additional copies may be obtained by contacting:

BLM Division of Education, Interpretation, 

and Partnerships

1849 C Street, NW, LM 2134

Washington, DC 20240

(202) 912-7457

kids@blm.gov

2016

BLM/WO/GI-16/001+1115

EE2038D