CONTACT:
Mary Goodyear: (603) 846-5108
Stephanie Hicks: (603) 846-5108
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
July 29, 2005
Free Training Offered for "Wonders of Wildlife"
Volunteers
CONCORD, N.H. -- If you enjoy learning about
wildlife, like kids, and have time to volunteer during the day, consider
becoming a Wonders of Wildlife (WOW) educator for the New Hampshire Fish
and Game Department. A three-month training course for new volunteers
begins September 22, 2005.
"WOW is a great way to get involved with natural
resource education," says Dr. Judith Silverberg, Wildlife Education
Coordinator for Fish and Game. "Learning firsthand from wildlife
biologists and other ecology experts really prepares our volunteer docents
to be effective environmental educators."
Trained WOW docents travel to schools or organized youth groups to present programs focusing on New Hampshire wildlife and endangered species, aquatic ecology and wetlands. They also can lead activities for environmental festivals and field days.
Participating in the WOW program requires a long-term
commitment. WOW volunteers get 11 sessions of free training between September
and February. Training sessions focus on topics including the importance
of habitat; wildlife restoration programs in New Hampshire; and furbearers.
Volunteers also learn about teaching techniques and specific environmental
school programs presented by Fish and Game. Through lectures and hands-on
materials and activities, volunteer docents get a chance to explore a
wide range of wildlife themes, including migratory birds, deer population
concerns and the future of endangered species.
After the training is complete, WOW volunteers commit
to at least 48 volunteer hours to natural resource education over the
following two school years, delivering programs to schoolchildren or organized
youth groups. The training sessions and most presentations take place
during school-day hours.
Click
here for a full schedule of WOW docent training sessions and an application
form. WOW volunteers must register for the entire series; it is not
possible to sign up for individual sessions. Those interested in registering
can print out an application form on the website.
For more information on volunteering for the WOW program,
contact Mary Goodyear or Stephanie Hicks at Twin Mountain Fish and Wildlife
Center, 1450 Route 3 North, Whitefield, NH 03598; e-mail mgoody@ncia.net;
or call (603) 846-5108 or (603) 271-3211.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian
of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats,
and is responsible for informing and educating the public about these
resources.
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