Fish & Game offers 'Project Wild' workshop

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has scheduled two “Project Wild” workshops in northern Idaho for teachers and youth leaders.

The first workshop, scheduled for April 25-26, will be a  “Wild About Wild Turkeys” workshopworkshop. The workshop includes a Friday evening (4-9 p.m.) and Saturday (8 a.m.-6 p.m.). Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.   

The second will be held August 6-7.  This workshop will be the  “Introduction to Project Wild.” This summer workshop will be held on a Wednesday and Thursday during summer break. Pre-registration is required for this class as well.  

Project Wild is a wildlife oriented, multi-disciplinary set of activities for use primarily with students. The activities develop awareness, knowledge and skills concerning the relationships between humans, wildlife and the natural world.  Wildlife concepts are related to social studies, mathematics, language arts and other subjects and do not take time away from established curricula.

Each workshop involves participants in the activities and demonstrates techniques for integrating the supplementary materials into classrooms and informal learning settings.

Participants receive activity guides full of educational activities. Each class has a materials fee of $35. Optional graduate or undergraduate credit (1 hour) is available for around $60 from several Idaho universities.

Project Wild is used throughout the United States and several other countries.  The goal of the program is to assist learners in developing a commitment to responsible and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment upon which all life depends.

Wildlife is an indicator of environmental health, and is important to our quality of life. Where there is abundant wildlife there is likely to be clean air, clean water, diverse vegetation and healthy soil.

Young people are fascinated by the study of wildlife, opening windows of learning into all subject areas. Project Wild is based on the premise that young people and their teachers have a vital interest in learning about the earth as home for people and wildlife.

Over 70 percent of Idaho teachers are currently incorporating “wild” activities in their classrooms. If you are a teacher or youth group leader not familiar with Project Wild, ask around. Discover how other professional educators feel about the program. Then reserve a spot in this or a future workshop online at fishandgame.idaho.gov.

• Phil Cooper works out of the Idaho Fish & Game office in Coeur d’Alene. He can be reached at (208) 769-1414 or phil.cooper@idfg.idaho.gov.