The Goal of the Program

The goal of Project WILD/Aquatic WILD/WILD School Sites is to assist learners of any age in developing awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment to result in informed decisions, responsible behavior and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment upon which life depends. These programs are conducted in cooperation with the National Project WILD office.

These programs are 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. Wildlife is emphasized because of its intrinsic, ecological, and other values. Project WILD can help prepare young people for decisions affecting people, wildlife and our environment.

The Materials Project WILD and Aquatic WILD activity guides contain hands-on activities that teachers use with their K-12 students. The activities take students from awareness to action. Activities are designed to be incorporated into most major subject areas, strengthening basic skills while teaching about wildlife. Many of the activities can be used to meet state standards for core course proficiencies. The activities are supplementary and to not displace any subject. Project WILD is an award winning program, thoroughly tested and evaluated.

Project WILD activities have also been correlated to sites within the NJ Wildlife Viewing Guide. The correlations are available on-line (pdf, 40kb).

WILD School Sites materials include “Homes for Wildlife”, “Taking Action” and “WILD School Sites”. These references provide information to help teachers lead action projects on the school grounds with their students. WILD School Sites materials complement not only Project WILD but Project Learning Tree, Bridges to the Natural World and other education programs.

WILD School Sites Information
WILD School Sites Application Form (pdf, 29kb)

The Workshop

Activity guides are only available through workshops. The workshop process not only provides teachers with more information than they might receive by simply reading the guides, but also develops a commitment to use the materials. Around the nation and in New Jersey, teachers have consistently rated the workshops as good to excellent.

Workshops are held weekdays, weekends, or after school over the course of 2 or 3 sessions. They can be held at an environmental education center, a school or any facility with an indoor and outdoor space. Workshops are a minimum of 6 hours and may be held for up to 25 educators. The workshop consists of activities led by a facilitator, and a peer teaching component as well. Curriculum planning time and networking are included. The cost of a workshop is nominal. Books and other teaching materials are donated by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Please consult the Project WILD Coordinator for details.

Teachers enjoy learning the "Oh, Deer" activity at a facilitator training.

In-service workshops may be arranged by contacting the Project WILD Coordinator. NJEA Certificates of Endorsement are available for teachers attending workshops. Pre-service teachers will find a valuable resource in the Project WILD activity guides. College faculty involved in teacher preparation may contact the coordinator to schedule a workshop for their students.

Interested in becoming a workshop leader for Project WILD or Aquatic WILD?

A two-day facilitator training workshop is being offered September 9, 2008, at the Forest Resource Education Center and September 16, 2008, at the Essex County Environmental Center. Participants must attend both sessions, and must have participated in a previous Project WILD, Aquatic WILD, Project Learning Tree or Project WET workshop prior to Sept. 1, 2008. Registration deadline is Aug. 25, 2008.

By becoming a workshop facilitator will receive training in these nationally recognized curriculums, receive a $200 stipend for leading a 6-hour workshop, and receive awards based on total number of workshops led at the Alliance for NJ Environmental Education (ANJEE) annual awards banquet.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about this exciting opportunity contact Kevin Kopp at 215-321-3930 or NJWET@dep.state.nj.us.

Facilitator Training Registration Flyer (pdf, 19kb)
 

For Project WILD and WILD School Sites information contact: Liz Jackson NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife 605 Pequest Rd. Oxford, NJ 07863 908-637-4125 e-mail: Liz.Jackson@dep.state.nj.us

For Aquatic WILD information contact: Karen Leskie NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife P.O. Box 418 Port Republic, NJ 08241 609-748-2031 e-mail: Karen.Leskie@dep.state.nj.us

Photos of WILD School Site Projects