From the tiny minnow to the majestic grizzly, wildlife and humans are integrally connected. Project WILD links students and wildlife through its mission to provide wildlife-based conservation and environmental education that fosters responsible actions toward wildlife and related natural resources. Through the use of balanced curriculum materials and professional training workshops, Project WILD accomplishes its goal of developing awareness, knowledge, skills and commitment. This results in the making of informed decisions, responsible behavior, and constructive action concerning wildlife and the environment.

Project WILD is one of the most widely-used conservation and environmental education programs among educators of students in kindergarten through high school.  The program emphasizes wildlife because of their intrinsic, ecological value, as well as their role in teaching how ecosystems function.  In the face of competing needs and pressures affecting the quality and sustainability of life on earth, Project WILD addresses the need for human beings to develop as responsible citizens of our planet. It is based on the premise that young people and educators have a vital interest in learning about our natural world.  

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The activities found in Project WILD instructional materials are intended for use in both classroom and informal settings.  The instructional materials are designed to support state and national academic standards appropriate for grades K-12.  The activities can easily be adapted to meet the learning requirements for academic disciplines ranging from science and environmental education to social studies, math, and language arts.  Educators may choose one or more Project WILD activities to teach a concept or skill.  The activities may be integrated into existing courses of study, or an entire set of activities may serve effectively as the basis for a specific course.

To learn more about these activities please visit our Curriculum and Resources page.

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Project WILD's primary audience is educators of kindergarten through high school students. However, this does not limit the usefulness of Project WILD to formal educational settings. Volunteers working with young people in pre-school and after-school programs; representatives of private conservation, industry or other community groups who are interested in providing instructional programs for young people or their educators; and personnel involved in preparation of future teachers are all among those who effectively use the instructional resources of this program.

In the year 2005, over 1 million educators in the U.S. will have participated in Project WILD workshops since the program began. These educators in turn have provided instruction using Project WILD to more than 48 million youth.

If you are an educator (formal or informal) interested in finding out more about Project WILD, please visit our Just for Educators page.

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Project WILD would not exist were it not for the dedication and commitment of teachers, wildlife biologists, interested citizens, school administrators and other education enthusiasts.

Project WILD's educational materials are provided to educators across the US and in seven other countries through practical, interactive workshops conducted by a network of representatives of sponsoring state wildlife, natural resources, and educational agencies. The dedication and commitment of many volunteers make Project WILD possible at the state and local levels.

Visit our  Project WILD Coordinators page to find out who you can contact for more information about Project WILD in your state.

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