Project Wild Workshop Offered

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has scheduled another "Project Wild" workshop for teachers and youth leaders. The workshop is scheduled for March 7-8 at Woodland Middle School in Coeur d'Alene. The workshop includes a Friday evening (4-9 p.m.) and Saturday (8a.m.-6p.m.). Space is limited, pre-registration and a $5 deposit are required. Call the IDFG regional office at 769-1414 for registration information. 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 onto classrooms and informal learning settings. Workshops are free. Participants receive a K-12 activity guide and an aquatic guide free of charge. Optional graduate or undergraduate credit (1 hour) is available for $56 from any university in Idaho (less from Northwest Nazarene College). Project Wild is used in 50 states and seven 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 most people's 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. As if you need another reason to participate, the basic Project Wild class is a pre-requisite for advanced, 3 credit hour classes offered in the summer months. The advanced classes are held in July in such beautiful locations as McCall, Clark Fork, and Harriman State Park near Island Park. Over 70% 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 give us a call to reserve a spot for you in this or a future workshop.