U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

10/05/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/05/2022 13:17

Gear Up for your Mission, Agents!

Get ready, Agents, to explore the refuge with your smartphone! You can play the Agents of Discovery missions at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge! Agents of Discovery is a free educational app that uses augmented reality (AR) technology that encourages players to engage in learning activities outdoors through missions and earn prizes! Your mission starts at the visitor information center at 14050 Dawson Beach Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22191, and has challenges along trails through the refuge.

We have two missions ready for your arrival! The Painted Turtle Pond Mission at the information center takes you along a short hike as you learn about the wildlife this refuge protects. You can also check out the Fox Loop Mission at the main parking lot to discover more about the history and management of the refuge. These missions require walking and a mobile device with internet access.

To play Agents of Discovery, follow these instructions:

  1. Download the Agents of Discovery app from the App Store or Google Play.

  2. Make sure your mobile device's GPS is enabled.

  3. Open the app. Login to your account, or create a new account if you are a new agent. You do not need an account to play, but you will need to create an account if you want to save a history of the missions you have completed and redeem rewards.

  4. Tap "Missions" at the home screen.

  5. The app automatically finds the missions that are closest to your location. If you are at the refuge, the Painted Turtle Pond and Fox Loop Missions will automatically appear at the top.

  6. Open the mission you wish to accept.

  7. Mission "challenges" are GPS-triggered. As you move along the mission route, your mobile device will alert you when you get near the location of the next challenge.

  8. When a new challenge appears on your screen, tap to open it. You will learn fun facts about nature and wildlife, and then get a puzzle to solve.

  9. Solve all the challenges to complete the mission!

Agents of Discovery missions can be found at refuges, parks, nature centers, and museums all over the United States and Canada! Look for them when you travel, or visit the Agents of Discovery website for a list of participating sites. Good luck on your mission!