News of the WILD-December (Want 5k-50k to fund your program?)

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A TPWD newsletter of Conservation Education for educators, interpreters, trainers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

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Archived editions of this eNewsletter can be found here.

In This Issue:


Program Spotlight: Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) Grants

Kids canoe

Looking for a way to fund your outdoor or environmental education program? Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) grant provides funding to schools for programming that introduces under-served populations to environmental and conservation programs as well as TPWD mission oriented outdoor activities. CO-OP supports such activities as backpacking, hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, orienteering, geocaching, canoeing/kayaking and outdoor cooking.

The success of this program lies in the partnerships created between TPWD and grass-roots organizations who have already established a relationship with these identified targeted audiences; females, physically/mentally challenged,  ethnic minorities, low income and youth. 

CO-OP provides grants to tax-exempt organizations ranging from $5,000 to $40,000. This is a reimbursement grant program.  Recipients must purchase eligible items and submit proper documentation before being reimbursed.  Eligible organizations can apply to use these funds for programming expenses such as equipment, leasing transportation, staff, liability insurance, food, program materials, etc. 

Grant funds are NOT eligible for community festivals, indoor classroom only projects, facility construction projects, landscaping, multimedia projects, research projects, training only projects, or traditional sports/recreation programs such as baseball, basketball and soccer.

The next grant deadline is February 1, 2017. Grant information and the grant can be found online at https://tpwd-recgrants.fluidreview.com/ Grants must be submitted through the online system. Questions? Contact us at rec.grants@tpwd.texas.gov or at 512-389-8224. 

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    Teacher Resources

    Video

    Teaching or learning about predator/prey relationships? Use this fun animated video! To learn more about Texas wildlife, visit http://www.tpwd.texas.gov

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    Upcoming Events

    • Dec 14 Growing Up WILD Workshop,  El Paso, TX - Carlos M. Ramirez TecH2O Water Resources Learning Center. 
    • Jan 7 Growing Up WILD Workshop, San Antonio, TX - Phil Hardberger Park Urban Ecology Center
    • Jan 7 Project WILD Workshop, Humble, TX - Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center
    • Jan 21 Project WILD/Advanced WILD Workshop, Austin, TX - Reicher Ranch. This is a combined Advanced WILD and Basic WILD Workshop. If you have recently attended a Project WILD workshop, especially one at Reicher Ranch, this will be new material - bring your book. If this is your first Project WILD workshop (or first in a long time), you will receive a book and full introduction.Workshop fees are generously covered by the City of Austin Wildlands Conservation. Austin ISD teachers, please register on HCP Section # 82976. Non-Austin ISD educators for registration and information contact Cait McCann at Cait.McCann@austintexas.gov or (512) 972-1682.

    To learn more about other fun events and recreational activities, we invite you to sign up to receive our free email updates.  Preview archived copies of these and other e-newsletters here:

    • Life’s Better Outside e-newsletter, featuring stories and news on hunting, fishing, state parks, and conservation efforts
    • State Parks Getaways e-newsletter and State Parks Promotions and Offers, highlighting ideas for your next park visit, news of park events, and fun seasonal activities  
    • The Award winning Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine
    • Specialty Newsletters, such as Eye on Nature and Texas Hummer, including topics on wildlife diversity, conservation and statewide volunteer opportunities

    You can change your subscription preferences or unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the “Manage Subscriptions” link at the bottom of any email you receive from us. 

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    Program Links

    Angler Education | Boater Education | Buffalo Soldiers | Coastal EXPO

    Hunter Education | Recreation Grants | Save Water for Wildlife | Teacher Toolkit

    Texas Archery in the Schools | Texas Children in Nature | Nature Rocks Texas

    Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center | Texas Master Naturalist

    Texas Nature Trackers | Texas Project WILD | Texas State Parks