Palmer Home and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Connect

Columbus, Mississippi, October 2, 2013 – Each year, 24 U.S. Fish and Wildlife employees participate in the Advanced Leadership Development Program and must identify a ‘conservation legacy’ opportunity. This year’s class decided to honor Sam D. Hamilton, former Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Palmer Home for Children.  The legacy project titled, “Connecting Children with Nature at Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge,” invited children to the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge for a one day fishing tournament.

Refuge Manager Steve Reagan stated, “There is a strong connection between the local community and Palmer Home.  My staff and I are extremely proud we can play a part in helping connect the Palmer Home kids with nature through this fishing event.”

A special “Connecting Children with Nature Fund” has been established to cover transportation to the Refuge from both Palmer Home campuses and other expenses associated with the event.  In addition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the event is also sponsored by the Friends of Noxubee Refuge.

According to Drake Bassett, President and C.E.O of Palmer Home, “this event brings together two great Mississippi stories: Palmer Home for Children and Sam D. Hamilton. We are excited for our children to experience the outdoors with professionals who lead the way in teaching the value of nature conservation and recreation. It’s a great event and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”

If you would like to contribute to this Legacy project, send your tax deductible donation to:

Palmer Home for Children, P.O. Box 746, Columbus, MS 39703

Please note the donation is for the Connecting Children with Nature Fund.