Representatives from the Game Commission and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation High Schools for Habitat Program will hold a two-day "WILD about Elk" program designed to give middle and high school teachers and other educators an opportunity to have an in-depth, hands-on experience with Pennsylvania's largest mammal on October 14-15.

The deadline for teachers to apply is October 3.

The event will be held from noon until 7 p.m., October 14, at Parker Dam State Park in Clearfield County, and from 7:30 a.m. until 11 a.m., October 15, at the Game Commission's elk viewing area in Benezette, Elk County.

Game Commission and RMEF biologists, land managers, wildlife conservation officers and educators will offer an in-depth program featuring elk biology; history and the Game Commission's elk reintroduction program; current conservation programs; land management issues related to elk; and other management issues.

Additionally, the course will include a field experience to view elk and participate in other hands-on activities, including a demonstration of how Game Commission biologists use radio-telemetry to track elk.

RMEF is offering reimbursements of up to $100 for lodging or for use to pay substitute teachers.

At the completion of the training program, RMEF is offering participants who generate an approved lesson plan for use in the classroom a $60 stipend.

Participants also will receive a WILD About Elk book, background information, hands-on activities and state and local resource information.

To make reservations, contact Theresa Alberici, Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Education specialist, at 717-783-4872 or send e-mail to: talberici@state.pa.us .

Project WILD is one of the most widely-used conservation and environmental education programs among educators of students from kindergarten through 12th grades. The Game Commission administers Project WILD in Pennsylvania.

9/16/2005