With summer recess for schools just around the corner, the Game Commission this week announced a pair of wildlife education workshops for educators and scout and youth group leaders this summer.

The two programs, both of which are Act 48 approved for educators, are WILD About Endangered and Threatened Species and WILD About Owls.

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, which are part of the series of Advanced WILD and PA Songbird workshops provided by the Game Commission, will be held at the Game Commission's Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area along Hopeland Road, two miles south of Kleinfeltersville, Lebanon County.

Following is a summary of the programs, both of which are free of charge.

WILD About Endangered and Threatened Species: On June 13, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Join the Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for this hands-on session addressing the Environment and Ecology Standard: Threatened, Endangered and Extinct Species.

Why are some species endangered while others are flourishing? Through indoor and outdoor activities, participants will explore the concepts and issues surrounding threatened and endangered species, investigate "how" and "why" species become endangered and threatened, examine laws affecting these species and explore methods biologists are using to help restore these species.

Participants will use a variety of materials and resources and receive a Threatened and Endangered Species Background Information and Activity booklets for use with their students. Please bring a bag lunch and binoculars. Dress is casual for indoor and outdoor activities. A small morning snack will be provided.

To register, contact Theresa Alberici at talberici@state.pa.us or at 717-783-4872.

WILD About Owls: On June 29, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Join Game Commission educators and biologists to explore the world of owls.

This workshop will include natural history, adaptations and habits of Pennsylvania owls, hands-on activities to address state Environment and Ecology Standards and an update on research and monitoring that is occurring in our state.

As a special workshop feature, participants will join biologists and bird banders at a barn owl nest site to be part of the banding of young barn owlets. Participants will receive a Project WILD guide and specialized resource information on owls. Please bring a bag lunch and binoculars. Dress is casual for indoor and outdoor activities. A small morning snack will be provided.

To register, contact the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area at 717-733-1512.

Link: PA Center for Environmental Education Online Calendar

5/18/2007