Project HOME: Homes for Wildlife in the Schoolyard

Make a difference for wildlife and experience learning in the landscape of your schoolyard!

• Meet the critical needs for wildlife habitat.
• Take action for the environment.
• Create an exciting and diverse outdoor learning space.

Project HOME gives you the tools for developing Schoolyard Habitat Projects and creating an outdoor classroom. Habitat enhancement can be any effort that improves habitat -- food, water, cover or space -- for wildlife, such as planting native shrubs, installing nest boxes at a nearby wetland, creating a butterfly garden or establishing a pond. At the same time, you are improving habitat for the humans who share the schoolyard.

Project HOME is...

• An interdisciplinary approach to schoolyard habitat enhancement.
• A New Hampshire-based program with national and international connections.
• A teacher training opportunity, providing 7.5 hours of staff development credits (including character and citizenship training).
• A network of ongoing support for your school's projects.
• A set of nationally and internationally recognized and pilot-tested materials, including the award-winning curriculum guide, Homes for Wildlife.
• A community-building project, emphasizing learning in the landscape and developing land stewardship.
• Sponsored by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

The Workshop
The training workshop parallels the contents of the curriculum guide. Participants work through the process of schoolyard habitat enhancement with discussion, A-V presentation and outdoor activities. Topics include: mapmaking and inventory techniques, safety issues and logistical concerns, enhancement projects, and integrating the project with existing curricula. The program consists of three workshop sessions, curriculum materials, fundraising ideas and ongoing technical support.

Award-winning
Project HOME is the recipient of the 2002 Conservation Education Award from The Wildlife Society, as well as the 1999 Outstanding Environmental Education Award from the New England Environmental Education Association. Homes for Wildlife has been honored with an Association for Conservation Information publication award.

Program fees
Project HOME costs $400 for 10 or more participants. This may include classroom teachers, school staff, parents, community members, and students. The program consists of three, 2.5-hour training workshops, curriculum materials, fundraising ideas and ongoing technical support. Assemble a diverse team to ensure success!

Curriculum Frameworks
Click here for Project HOME Curriculum Framework Correlations (pdf file 268 KB) to see how Project HOME activities can help your school or class meet state standards.

For more information, contact:
Marilyn Wyzga, Coordinator, Project HOME
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Concord, NH, 03301
603-271-3211
marilyn.c.wyzga@wildlife.nh.gov