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Youth Provide Service at Fossil Rim

Updated on May 1, 2024
by Ruth-Anne Speirs

GLEN ROSE, Texas — Youth and congregation leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visited the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas, on Saturday, April 27, to complete several needed projects for the non-profit organization in Somervell County.

Volunteers Lucy Gibson, Avree Fritter, and Sage Fenton cut up feed bags while providing service at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas. (Photo by Ruth-Anne Speirs.)

Scott Hughes, a director at Fossil Rim, shared that volunteers were asked to clear brush in the pastures; stain benches and the stage for the outdoor classroom; recycle feed bags; and remove old fencing. This would help Fossil Rim Wildlife Center continue to run with approximately 70,000 cars a year visiting the location. The volunteers supported Fossil Rim and allowed employees to focus their efforts on the conservation programs to protect endangered wildlife species.

When asked why he had traveled over an hour to volunteer on a Saturday, Kimbal Reinwand shared, “I love service. It’s a great feeling, and it feels good to serve others.”

While working on cutting up feed bags Lydia Bailey shared that Fossil Rim reuses the feed bags by rolling up the paper squares to hand out to visitors with animal feed inside. Visitors can stop to feed the wildlife as they slowly drive through the facility.

“We were able to take down a couple dozen panels of fencing,” said Quincy Oldroyd. “It’s enjoyable to get on a project with friends and be able to work towards a goal. It makes you feel good when you get something done.”

Sidney Thorsen and over 20 other volunteers cleared brush out of the giraffe and zebra pastures that share the space with several other species. A few curious fallow deer watched over the work of clearing brush but wandered off when the task proved too monotonous. Volunteers were under the direction of a Fossil Rim veterinarian to make sure the animals were kept safe.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is dedicated to the conservation of species in peril, conducting scientific research, training of professionals, responsible management of natural resources and public education.

To learn more about Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, visit fossilrim.org.