The MagnificentMalheur

Kindergarten - 5th Grade Lessons 

Branching Out! 

Students will use a model landscape to investigate how water flows and connects to 

watersheds in a closed water basin. 

The Great Migration 

Provide students with the scope and scale of this migration and why this place in    Harney County is so important. 

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Lesson

3rd - 5th Grade Lessons 

Literacy Connections 

K - 2 Literature

•  “A Drop Around the World” by Barbara Shaw McKinney

This book follows a drop of water through its journey around the world, highlighting various bodies of water and the concept of watersheds.

• “All the Water in the World” by George Ella Lyon

A poetic exploration of the water cycle, illustrating how water moves through nature and impacts different landscapes, including watersheds.

• “The Magic School Bus Wet All Over: A Book About The Water Cycle” by Joanna Cole  

This engaging book helps young readers understand the concept of watersheds and water flow through vibrant illustrations and simple explanations.

Art Projects 

Local Contacts

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Contact

Dominic Bachman 

• • 541-493-2612

  • dominic_bachman@fws.gov

  • https://www.fws.gov/refuge/malheur 

USGS (United States Geological Survey) Contact

Cassandra Smith - specializes in saline lakes and closed-water basins. 

• • (864) 316-5191 

  • cassandrasmith@usgs.gov

  • USGS education website

Career Spotlight

Dominic Bachman                                                                                                                  Wildlife Biologist 

United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 

Quote: “You get to work outside every day!”

Dominic completed a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree as well as worked 10 field seasons in various wildlife positions before landing his current job working for a federal management agency as a Wildlife Biologist. 

USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System is the nation's premier land management agency focusing on quality wildlife habitat. In Harney County, their work focuses on the aquatic health of the Malheur Wildlife National Refuge.