Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division Regional Education Centers

“To promote the conservation and wise use of Georgia’s natural resources.” Mission of WRD

We believe that EDUCATION is an important key in encouraging Georgia’s citizens to use our natural resources wisely.

WRD’s Environmental Education Mission Statement 1. To cultivate an appreciation and understanding of Georgia’s wildlife resources. 2. To foster wise stewardship of these resources. 3. To promote safe and ethical natural-resource based recreation.

Regional Education Centers are considered to be one of the best mechanisms for meeting our education goals.

A permanent source of stable funding would greatly enhance the effectiveness of our Regional Education Centers. FUNDING Centers are minimally staffed with most Education Coordinator positions funded on an annual basis. Funding sources for Education Coordinators include WRD funds, DNR grants, NOAA grants, private donations, RESA funds, and local school system funds. Maintenance and operations costs are generally absorbed by the annual budget of the Game Management or Fisheries Management Region where the center is housed.

State Education Centers Sapelo Island Arrowhead Grand Bay Charlie Elliott McDuffie Smithgall Woods

State Education Centers Arrowhead Education Center The center began operations in The Education Coordinator is a certified teacher. She and a para- professional are both employed by the Floyd County School System. The Center is housed at Arrowhead WMA. The primary focus is on Georgia wildlife, habitats, and the environment.

First-Hand Knowledge

State Education Centers Smithgall Woods Education Center The center began operations in The Education Coordinator is a retired teacher employed by WRD. The center is housed at Smithgall Woods – Dukes Creek Conservation Area. Programming focuses on the proper use and conservation of natural resources. Programming is a cooperative effort between staff members from WRD and PRHS.

First-Hand Knowledge

State Education Centers McDuffie Education Center The center began operations in The Education Coordinator is a certified teacher employed by the local school district. The center is housed at a state- owned fish hatchery and public fishing area. The focus of this center represents a blending of technology with the conservation of natural resources

First-Hand Knowledge

State Education Centers Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Established in 1996, CEWC is funded by donations, grants, and WRD funds. Activities at CEWC are focused on wildlife conservation education. A variety of conservation wildlife programs are offered on-site for both day-use and residential students. The Education Coordinator and other staff are employed by WRD.

First-Hand Knowledge

State Education Centers Grand Bay Education Center The center began operations in The Education Coordinator is a certified teacher employed by Coastal Plains RESA The center represents a partnership between WRD and Coastal Plains RESA and is housed at Grand Bay WMA. The educational focus is on wetlands ecology, wildlife, plant identification, air quality, and plant adaptations.

First-Hand Knowledge

State Education Centers Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve Programming for students began in about Programming by Education Coordinator and Interpretive Ranger, both are WRD staff. Funding for staff and programming efforts by an annual Federal Grant through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Programs highlight salt marsh (estuarine) and barrier island ecology as well as natural and cultural history.

First-Hand Knowledge

Our centers promote stewardship through Natural Resource-based programming such as ……

Stream Ecology

Carolina Bay Ecology

Pond Ecology

Coastal Ecology

Plant & Wildlife Studies

Displays Displays depict local fauna and flora as well as the cultural resources of the area.

We need to make a better effort to introduce kids to fishing, shooting sports, and non-consumptive outdoor recreation.

Are We Meeting Our Education Goals?

Teachers realize the value of learning in an outdoor classroom. Programming Correlates With QCC / GPS

Number of Students On-Site is a Measure of Success

Number of Students Through Outreach is a Measure of Success