U.S. Fish and Wildlife's Virtually Wild Program

Register for Virtually Wild Videoconference sesssions here: https://goo.gl/forms/zymCKyFBjqU47lCu2

 

 

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Using Drones to Manage Forests, Fight Fires and Help an Endangered Bird

Drones are an important tool used by foresters to gain insight into forest health issues. They use the technology to gather real-time information that helps guide land management decisions. Data collected by the unmanned aerial systems ultimately means greater protection for surrounding communities and the forest habitat.  Fly over the oldest slash pine plantation in Texas, red-cockaded woodpecker habitat, selective thinning operations, prescribed burning and more in this exciting program that highlights how the Texas A&M Forest Service is using technology to manage forests.

 

This program will be delivered live from the field at W. Goodrich Jones State Forest near Conroe, TX, one of the nation’s largest working urban forests. The primary purpose of the forest is resource education. Sound scientific forest management that protects and perpetuates native flora and fauna is practiced. Demonstration and research areas have been installed to test various forest management techniques, forest genetics, and forest product utilization studies.

 

Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2019

 

Location: Jones State Forest, Conroe, TX

 

Provider:  The Nature Conservancy in Texas and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Houston Community Partnerships and Engagement Program

 

Length: 45 minutes

 

Session: 
9:00 am – 9:45 am
10:00 am – 10:45 am

 

Cost: Free

 

Grade Levels: This program is planned at a 3rd–5th grade level, but students of all ages will gain useful vocabulary and an understanding of how technology is used to help manage lands for the benefit of people and wildlife.

 

Grade Levels: 3rd–6th

 

TEKS:

Science

Social Studies

 

Guest Presenters: Shruthi Srinivasan (Geospatial Analyst) and Mike Sills (Regional Urban Forester) of Texas Forest Service

 

 

 

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Saving a Rare Texas Woodpecker From Extinction

Scientists across the southeastern United States are fighting to save the red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) from extinction. Once common in east Texas, this bird survives in small groups on only a handful of preserves. Learn about this magnificent, colorful bird and how biologists are managing the land to improve the woodpecker’s habitat.  Meet the scientists who use technology and tree-climbing skills to monitor nests and learn how you can find a career in conservation.

This program will be delivered live from the field at W. Goodrich Jones State Forest near Conroe, TX, one of the nation’s largest working urban forests. The primary purpose of this forest is resource education. Sound scientific forest management that protects and perpetuates native flora and fauna is practiced. Demonstration and research areas have been installed to test various forest management techniques, forest genetics, and forest product utilization studies.
 

Location: Jones State Forest, Conroe, TX

Provider:  Katy Prairie Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Houston Community Partnerships and Engagement Program, Jones State Forest

Date: May 8, 2019

Length: 45 minutes

Session 1:  9 a.m.–9:45 a.m.

Session 2: 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m.

Cost: Free.

Grade Levels: 2nd–5th

TEKS:
Science:  Grade 2 - 9A,B,C;  Grade 3 - 9A,C;  Grade 4 - 10A;  Grade 5 - 9A,B,C
Social Studies:  Grade 5 - 9A,B; Grade 4 - 9A,C