The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is responsible for stewardship of this state's wildlife resources. A part of this effort is to enhance a public appreciation for wildlife. "Effective" education is central to this effort.
Each generation eventually assumes responsibility for our environment. This responsibility includes the conservation of wildlife and their habitats. In order to prepare our youth for this undertaking, it is necessary to emphasize educational programs which teach the principles of plant and wildlife ecology. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to bring kids into contact with wildlife and wildlife habitat in a natural setting and then establish "hands on" activities to enhance their ability to remember and understand concepts.
Many schools and comnmunities have property available right outside their doors that could be used to develop outdoor learning laboratories. Some schools have already demonstrated how this can be facilitated and how such accessible and convenient outdoor classrooms offer students on-the-ground experiences that lend to a greater appreciation of our natural world.
In supporting these new approaches to conservation education, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department has initiated the OWLS program to help increase student exposure to native wildlife and plant communities. The Department's Nongame Enhancement Fund has initially set aside $18,000 to establish Outdoor Wildlife learning Sites (OWLS) on 12 school grounds and communities throughout North Dakota. The Nongame Program wil1 provide up to $1,500 for any school or community, whose project is approved,to create an outdoor learning laboratory.
Our objective is to establish ten OWLS in North Dakota during 1995. After the initial year, our OWLS program will be evaluated. If the program is effective, it will be continued as funds are available.
Return to Table of Contents
Next Section
