With summer just around the corner, the Pennsylvania Game Commission announced a series of upcoming wildlife education workshops for educators and Scout and youth group leaders.

The four programs, all of which are Act 48 approved for educators, are: WILD About Elk, WILD About Peregrine Falcons, WILD About the Susquehanna, WILD About Birds.

Theresa Alberici, Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Education specialist, facilitates and administers Project WILD, which is one of the most widely-used conservation and environmental education programs among educators of students from kindergarten through 12th grades.

These workshops are part of the series of Advanced WILD and PA Songbird workshops provided by the Game Commission. Following is a summary of each of the four programs.

WILD About Elk: On June 15-16, representatives from the Game Commission will hold a two-day "WILD about Elk" program designed to give teachers and other educators an opportunity to have an in-depth, hands-on experience with Pennsylvania's largest mammal. The event will be held in St. Marys and Benezette, Elk County, as well as DuBois, Clearfield County. Game Commission 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. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is offering a stipend to participants to offset the costs of overnight lodging. Some meals will be provided. Participants also will receive a WILD About Elk book, background information, hands-on activities and state and local resource information materials to use in classrooms. To register, contact Theresa Alberici at talberici@state.pa.us or at 717-783-4872.

WILD About the Susquehanna: On June 19, from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., wildlife educators from the Game Commission, Dauphin County Parks and Recreation and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will lead a canoe trip down the Susquehanna River. Participants will view the nesting sites of the state endangered great egret and black-crowned night-heron; search for signs of river otters; and examine the water quality of the river through chemical, physical and biological sampling. Space is limited, so make your reservation now. For registration, contact the Wildwood Lake Sanctuary at 717-221-0292. A $15 fee is charged to help cover costs of the workshop.

WILD About Peregrine Falcons: On June 27, from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Dan Brauning, Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Section Supervisor, officials from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and wildlife educators from Z00America will conduct a workshop to explore the success of the Game Commission's peregrine falcon reintroduction program. Participants will learn about peregrine falcons, reasons why species become endangered and take time to observe the falcons in Harrisburg. This workshop, which is offered by the Game Commission in partnership with DEP and Hershey ZOOAmerica, will be held in Harrisburg. To register, contact Ann Devine at adevine@state.pa.us or at 717-772-1644. Lunch will be provided, however, there is no fee for this workshop.

WILD About Birds: On July 6, from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., at Wildwood Lake Sanctuary, Harrisburg, workshop participants will explore the world of birds, including: bird biology, nesting and mating behaviors; bird observation and identification; and an introduction to the Breeding Bird Atlas. The workshop also offers a chance for educators and students to become part of a current scientific research project. The workshop includes the PA Songbird curriculum and more. For those educators who already have PA Songbirds curriculum, this workshop will add to your bird background and information. For registration, contact Wildwood Lake Sanctuary at 717-221-0292. A $10 fee is charged to help cover the costs of the workshop.

5/12/2006