Project WILD

What the Public Should Know  Fish and wildlife resources are a public trust  Conservation and management of terrestrial and water resources are essential to sustaining fish & wildlife, the outdoor landscape, & the quality of our lives  Understanding and active participation in the stewardship and support of our natural resources is key

Answering the Need: Council for Environmental Education (CEE) Award-winning Programs –Project WILD –Flying WILD –Wet in the City

Project WILD Organizational Chart State Agencies (TPWD) State Agencies (TPWD) National Office (CEE) National Office (CEE) State PW Coordinator State PW Coordinator Volunteer PW Facilitators Volunteer PW Facilitators Teachers/ Students Teachers/ Students

Project WILD

Uses a balanced & unbiased approach Emphasizes awareness, appreciation and understanding of wildlife and natural resources Introduces skills such as critical thinking, observation, classification and graphing Project WILD Goals How to Think, not What to Think!

One Million Educators Gone WILD! WILD Educators have provided environmental education instruction to more than 53 million students! Texas leads the nation in the number of educators trained

Why is TPWD the state sponsor for Project WILD? WHY? The mission of TPWD: “To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.”

Who are the next decision makers? It’s important that our youth become environmentally literate In just 5 short years…those 7 th and 8 th graders will be voting age!

Keep Texas Wild A Regional Approach

TPWD Priority Issues & Topics of Concern This list came from a series of focus meetings with leading biologists across the state. They were asked: “What issues in your area are most important for people to know or understand?”

Common Across the State Appreciation for the flora (plants) and fauna (wildlife) of their region of Texas Habitat: What is a habitat? Fragmentation Effects of urbanization on habitat Native plants & Wildscapes for homes and business

Common Across the State Understanding the interconnectedness of wildlife and ecosystems: Predator / Prey relationships Why should I care about wildlife? Why do we care about rare species? Handling human-wildlife conflicts How an ecosystem works Invasive species / Exotics: What are they? Why are they a problem? How to prevent spread?

Common Across the State Conservation: What is conservation? Impact of active management Benefits of conservation Encouraging stewardship activities Understanding Texas Water Understanding water systems: surface water, springs, groundwater How an aquifer works Value of aquatic habitats Who owns the water?

Common Across the State Water for the Future State of water Future water sources Pros & Cons, costs & benefits of different solutions

Top Issues by Region: Pineywoods Habitat Loss / Fragmentation Land Conversion / Loss of Native Ecosystems Loss of Diversity Water Quality/Quantity Reservoirs Impacts and Biological Costs Fish Kills (non-point source pollution)

Top Issues by Region: Hill Country Habitat Fragmentation Land Management for Diversity / Changes in Fire Patterns Human & Wildlife Conflicts Stewardship in a Watershed Water Quality and Quantity Water for Wildlife

Top Issues by Region: Panhandle Plains Loss and Fragmentation of Grasslands & Prairies Land Management Practices Invasive Trees (that affect groundwater quantity) Finding a Balance – Habitat Needs for People & Wildlife Ogallala Water Issues Understanding Wetlands / Playas Future of Water Riparian Corridor Restoration

Top Issues by Region: Trans Pecos Living with Wildlife Appreciation and Value of Habitat and Biodiversity of the Chihuahuan Desert Land Fragmentation / Urban Sprawl Water Quality (including increasing salinity) Competing Uses for Water (international & human/wildlife needs) Exotic species (Salt Cedar & fish) Loss of Springs

Top Issues by Region: Prairies and Lakes Loss of Prairies / Changing Land use Invasive & Exotic Species Understanding the Value of Blackland Prairies & the Role of Outlying Farms/Ranches) Benefits of conservation / what is conservation Water Conservation Understanding Stream Dynamics Trinity River

Top Issues by Region: Gulf Coast Habitat Destruction & Fragmentation/ Urban Sprawl Human/Wildlife Conflicts (including Alligators) Invasive Species Water for a Growing Texas Wetland Loss Problems of Invasive Plants Freshwater Inflows into Bays & Estuaries

Top Issues by Region: South Texas Loss of habitat due to population growth Appreciation for Nature Agricultural Impacts on wildlife and habitat Introduction of Exotic, Invasive Plants Water Quantity Estuaries/Saltwater, Freshwater Inflow Water for Wildlife

Water Matters Across the state, water quantity and quality is struggling under the demands of Texas's population growth. Each region faces unique issues based on the physical characteristics and water demands of the area. While water is essential for human health, economic growth and quality of life, it is also essential for flora, fauna and fish.

TPWD Supplemental Resources TEKS/TAKS Online Database Texas Adaptations of WILD activities Teacher Toolkit (maps, activities, etc) Education Loaner Kits Keep Texas WILD Magazine & Website Free publications

Let’s Get WILD!