WINSTON WEEKLY©^[1]

June 1, 2025

Vol. 3, No. 22

ABOVE, AHEAD, AND BELOW[2]

June is not as much a theme as it is a focus on the role of zoos and aquariums. Throughout this month, a few will be highlighted. Zoos and aquariums afford opportunities to look above, ahead, and below, leading to a greater understanding of education, research, and conservation.

One place to experience the amazing world of conservation and animals is Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. Known as “the largest immersive wildlife attraction in the world,” it is located next to the original Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, a wonder unto itself. One of many collaborations between Bass Pro and the Museum & Aquarium involves Springfield Public Schools. For over a decade, the Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility (WOLF) has served selected fifth-grade students through a lottery system. WOLF students receive hands-on learning in multiple ecosystems, along with gaining a practical understanding of health and wellness. The Program Information for potential students includes the following questions:

          Do you enjoy studying nature, plants, or animals?

          Do you like to hike, canoe, camp, fish, or hunt?

          Are you comfortable “roughing it?”

          Do you choose to play outdoors in all types of weather?

          Are you concerned with protecting the environment?

          Are you open to shooting firearms and hunting?

Nearly a decade ago, an individual with the Confederation of Missouri participated in a field day for WOLF students at the Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center. He wrote, “I couldn’t help but wish my children would have the same opportunity to participate in such an outstanding educational program.”

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITY

If you have a child, niece, nephew, or someone else who is about to become a fifth grader, ask them some, if not all, of the questions above. Consider how their answers might differ from yours and how elements of an outdoor education can benefit everyone.

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[1] A Sunday newsletter and blog by Alysen Bayles to be shared with the appropriate attribute.

[2] June is National Zoo and Aquarium Month. Learn more about WOLF at www.sps.org/wolf. Conservation Federation of Missouri, April 2016, www.confedmo.org. Formed in 1935, CFM is a private organization focused on state and national conservation efforts.