2005 Education & Outreach Newsletter

Project WILD Update

Something to celebrate! February 2005, Wendy Harrison conducted the 500th WILD workshop since we began our present database in 2000. Wendy’s CREEC Network workshop was held in Calaveras County. Our dedicated volunteer facilitators continue to keep California a WILD state. WILD Facilitators are the advocates that promote the program through outreach events, educational exhibits, and workshops.

As the Aquatic WILD coordinator my task is to encourage others to become involved with Aquatic WILD and continue the good work of the WILD program! There is much to be done on behalf of wildlife, the environment, and encouraging responsible human actions.

California Project WILD Aquatic continues to focus on ways of providing a comprehensive watershed education program emphasizing the world of water and the habitat and wildlife it supports. Water related issues continue to grow in California. There is a direct relationship between healthy water and a healthy ecosystem. There is also a critical need to provide people with the ability to evaluate information before making choices.

FYI

The following materials are available with the attendance of a WILD workshop and have been correlated to the state education content standards.

Project WILD Aquatic Guide (K-12) and Early Childhood Education Supplement contains 12 activities adapted for pre-K through 2nd grade.

Taking Action is a guide to inspire ideas and provide models for conducting effective environmental projects.

High School Science and Civics! Science and Civics consists of four major components:

1. Awareness–human impact on habitat quality and quantity;
2. Participatory Democracy–principles related to government structures;
3. Habitat Exploration–biotic and abiotic parameters of a site; and
4. Taking Action–designing and implementing projects to enhance a particular site.

Learning about Black BearsThis spring a new educational tool is being piloted by Tahoe area 4th grade classes. A partnership project of the CA Department of Fish and Game, Nevada Department of Wildlife, and U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Unit has created a Bear Box. Educators can use the Bear Box to create an educational unit about black bears. The Box contains an activity guide, background information and a variety of specimens to help lead students to an awareness of Tahoe Black Bears and their habitat needs. The goal is to stimulate students and others to change their personal behavior and to take constructive actions to help protect and ensure the future survival of black bears.