March 18, 2024

Taking a selfie may help preserve, save the prairie

Wildlife refuge sees 60,000 photographers per year

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Photographs can be one of the most powerful forms of communication. As the old cliche goes, a photo is worth a thousand words.

In a time where everyone is oversaturated with pictures thanks to Instagram, Snapchat and the notorious selfie, does photography still have a powerful impact on society?

Officials at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge believe photographs may have a bigger influence on people than it ever has before.

“One photo that is a really good photo can spread like a wildfire,” Nancy Corona, Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge visitor services manager said. “I think it definitely is a valuable tool with having social media like Twitter and Facebook. It is just a big aid to the refuge in getting the word out about it.”

According to the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, 85 percent of Iowa land was once covered with tallgrass prairie. Now, less than 0.1 percent of the original tallgrass prairie remains in the Hawkeye State, causing several populations of its wildlife inhabitants to slowly decline.

Since it was established in 1990, the refuge has made it their mission to preserve, protect and restore this diverse, native ecosystem. The refuge staff says photography has made their job a little easier.

“A lot of people see these photos (on social media), and they’ve never been here. That gets them out here. It gets people interested and brings people to the refuge. That is what we want,” said Doreen Van Ryswyk, who helps manage the refuge’s social media platforms. “Three or four weeks ago, someone spotted (a short-eared owl at the refuge) and it got on Facebook. We have just had a lot of people that saw that, and have been coming out here late afternoon or early right after the sun comes up in the morning trying to find these owls.”

According to the refuge’s visitor services manager, an estimated 60,000 photographers visited the refuge in 2016. NSNWR received a total of 203,294 visitors that year.

The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge’s Facebook page currently has 6,398 page followers. According to the refuge, an engaging wildlife photo on its page can receive nearly 300 reactions and 45 shares.

“It’s just a great phenomenon that just everyone who comes to a refuge takes pictures,” Corona said. “The basic person who just has a camera on their phone is taking pictures. It has definitely increased over time and the interest is increasing.”

NSNWR officials said this influx of photographers and the reach of social media has allowed the refuge to share its message, aiding in the preservation of the tallgrass prairie and the wildlife that call it home.

“A part of our mission is educating the public about national wildlife refuge system, and providing, protecting and restoring habitat for wildlife,” Corona said. “Seeing a photo of an owl, a bison or elk, these things are really going to interest people. ... Then they can find out the importance to why we are reconstructing and protecting the tallgrass prairie and other habitats across the United States through this agency.”

Photographers at the refuge, like Greg Punelli of Des Moines, said they are glad they are aiding in the preservation of this habitat.

“It is about making people aware of the environment, and passing it on down and preserving our environment,” he said. “I think what is really cool is that every picture does tell a story. The average person might not see those kind of animals or landscapes. It gives them a reason to maybe come out and share those experiences once they see it, and get them outdoors.”

The photographer of 38 years is a regular at the refuge. For the last five years, he said he has enjoyed coming out to the prairie and capturing its unique beauty.

“Everything changes with every season. Now you have the nice browns and you can see things a little easier. As the season progresses, it keeps changing. Different flowers are blooming in the woods and on the prairie,” he said. “(I like) the quiet, the different landscape and the variety of wildlife from birds to bison.”

Van Ryswyk leads photography tours at the refuge about once a month from February to November. The tours typically take place on weekends, either at sunrise or sunset, depending on the interest.

Participants are advised to bring a camera, wear comfortable shoes or boots and be prepared for going off trails. Van Ryswyk said photographers of all ages and skill levels are welcome.

“There’s just a lot places you can go and things you can take pictures of. It’s good practice,” she said. “We have shaded areas and a lot of different vegetation types. It is a really great place to get a lot of pictures.”

The refuge also hosts photography contests throughout the year and displays some of its submitted pictures in a gallery located at the Learning Center.

“Even if I don’t see anything, it is a good day. I just love being out here in the quiet landscape. You can hear pheasants and animals in the background,” Punelli said. “Don’t just get out in the middle of the day. Get up early. Come in late. When the animals are active, it is the best time.”

For more information, call 515-994-3400, visit fws.gov/refuge/neal_smith/ or find Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge on Facebook.

Contact Anthony Victor Reyes at areyes@newtondailynews.com