Get WILD this fall with workshops and resources

Georgia Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 10/05/2018 02:14 PM EDT

Georgia WILD banner

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
Bookmark and Share

Georgia Outdoors on the Ballot

american oystercatchers

American oystercatchers in flight (Tim Keyes/DNR)

On Nov. 6, voters will decide the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Amendment.

This constitutional measure, amendment 1 on the general election ballot, has been called a game-changer for conservation. The measure would devote part of the sales tax already collected on outdoor sporting goods to protect Georgia lands and water.

Amendment 1 would generate about $20 million a year over the next 10 years for parks, trails, wildlife management areas and for preserving places that are vital to clean water. The money would be dedicated by law to this purpose.

The passage of amendment 1 would also affect Georgia’s outdoor industry, which involves activities from hunting and fishing to hiking and bird watching.

To learn more about the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Amendment, go to this link here.

 

ATEEG training begins this January

ATEEG logo

Advanced Training for Environmental Education in Georgia (ATEEG) is a certification program based on the requirements of the North American Association of Environmental Education. It provides a foundation of knowledge and skills needed to address a diverse audience.

The certification process includes three core course workshops, 30 hours of specialization workshops, and an independent study project. Core Course One: Foundations of Environmental Education is being held January 25-27, 2019 at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. Register by January 15, 2019. You can register by going online here.

 

BOW Workshop Helps Women Gain Confidence in Outdoor Activities

GA BOW logo

What keeps you from heading out to go backpacking or fishing or shooting? Don’t let a lack of information keep you from enjoying all the outdoors has to offer, instead make plans to take part in the upcoming Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Workshop. 

This program, hosted by the Georgia DNR and scheduled for Nov. 2-4 at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, is an educational program that aims to break down barriers to female participation in outdoor activities by providing a safe and supportive learning environment.  Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) workshops are weekend-long enrichment programs where women ages 18 and older can explore a variety of outdoor activities in a safe and structured environment. Class activities include hunting, shooting, fishing, camping, photography, outdoor cooking, and more! Beginners are welcome and encouraged! Activities can include fishing, shooting sports, nature photography, outdoor cooking, backpacking, and more! This program is for you if:

  • You have never tried some of these activities.
  • You are a beginner who wants to improve your skills.
  • You have participated in some of these activities but would like to try new ones.
  • You enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.

Click HERE to find out more about BOW or get registration info! Scholarship applications are also available, click here to learn more. 

Upcoming Workshops

As we get into the changing seasons, we wanted to let you know about some exciting professional development opportunities with Project WILD at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center.  Please feel free to share this email with friends and colleagues.  All workshops are on a first come, first serve basis and participants will receive a certificate of course completion. To register for a Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center workshop, complete the registration form for the workshop you are interested in and return it with payment to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center/DNR, 543 Elliott Trail, Mansfield, GA 30055. 

 

Growing Up WILD and Project Learning Tree Early Education workshop – November 10th:  $47 (included program materials and lunch) Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children is an early childhood education activity guide that builds on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. Through a wide range of activities and experiences, it provides a foundation for developing positive impressions about nature while also building lifelong social and cognitive skills. Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood is an early childhood education activity guide that integrates nature-based exploration, art, literature, math, music and movement, and outdoor play into early childhood education programs. It allows children to explore, discover, and communicate in expressive ways. You can register by going online here.

 

Flying WILD educator workshop – February 2nd: $15 (includes program materials)

Flying WILD introduces middle-school students to bird conservation through school bird festivals and hands-on classroom activities. Flying WILD helps teachers by providing interdisciplinary, standards-based lessons that engage students in real-world learning. By participating in Flying WILD activities, students will gain opportunities to learn and lead. Half of the activities in Flying WILD are designed to involve students as leaders. You can register by going online here.

Fall Resources

  • October Big Day is this Saturday. On October 6th, get into citizen science with Cornell Lab’s birding event. See more here.
  • Caterpillars Count! is a new citizen science project by the University of North Carolina that is looking into the phenology and abundance of arthropods in trees and shrubs. Learn more or join the project at their website.
  • October is Bat Appreciation month. During this month, check out these neat handouts from Bat Conservation International that you can use in the classroom.