SUMMER OWLS PROGRAM

The North Dakota Game & Fish Department Project WILD Advisory Board initiated the Summer OWLS Project in February 2001. The Summer OWLS Program was developed to enrich classroom programs and encourage the use of OWLS.

This program is open to all educators teaching during the summer months. Participants of the program will visit an OWLS as part of a lesson and report that lesson to the OWLS program. All teachers participating will receive $50/day up to 5 days for a maximum stipend of $250. The stipend is for activities developed and used at an OWLS. In addition, if you do not have an OWLS at your school, transportation costs will be reimbursed at a rate not to exceed the local bus service rate. Teachers participating in the program must complete the Pre OWLS Activity Form, Activity Task Card, and Post OWLS Activity Form.


WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

The Summer OWLS Program is open to all teachers and youth leaders engaged in summer school or a summer education program. This includes summer school (K-12), youth camps, and eco-education camps.


WHAT IS AN OWLS?

OWLS (outdoor wildlife learning site) are outdoor conservation classrooms located near schools where students can learn about the importance of habitat and conservation of wildlife resources in a hands on setting. Learning is accomplished through demonstrations and observations at the OWLS. Habitat types found at different OWLS include wetlands, native plants, nesting structures, and wildlife track identification plots. OWLS are located statewide. To locate the OWLS nearest you, look on the enclosed list of OWLS locations.

WHAT CAN I DO AT AN OWLS?

Though science is the primary focus of an OWLS, other subjects can also be taught, such as art, math, and language arts. Examples of activities that are eligible for the program include:

  • A bird survey
  • Soil type identification & testing
  • Insect collection & identification
  • Plant identification
  • Drawing flora and fauna found at the OWLS
  • Water quality testing
  • Weather observation
  • Written description of the OWLS
  • OWLS planning and site development

All activities conducted at the OWLS should have a result or observation that can be reported on the OWLS Bulletin Board (located on the OWLS website). Students can post their results or observations and compare to other students at different OWLS throughout North Dakota.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Complete Pre OWLS Activity Survey
  • Plan and conduct field day(s) at a local OWLS
  • Describe activities on Activity Task Card
  • Complete Post OWLS Activity Survey

How do I participate?

To participate in the Summer OWLS Program, complete the Pre-Owls Activity Form. This will reserve your stipend. Funding is limited so it is recommended that you apply early. During summer school or camp, plan an activity or activities at an OWLS and record this on the Activity Task Card. Once you've visited the OWLS complete the Post OWLS Activity Survey and return to receive your stipend.

All forms can be downloaded from the OWLS website at:
http://ndwild.psych.und.nodak.edu/ndwild/owls/owlsneststep.html

Return all forms to:

Sherry Niesar, Program Administrator
North Dakota Summer OWLS Program
909 West Ave B
Bismarck, ND 58501


Return to OWLS Home