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

2021vwtpartners

Region 4 Education Service Center partners with Virtually Wild! Texas to provide students with engaging and interactive virtual field trips about nature and careers in conservation.

Find all of the Virtually Wild Texas program resources by visiting Here in Houston. They would also love your feedback on their programs!

Remember to subscribe to the Getting Smart Virtually newsletter to receive a monthly reminder about all upcoming programs.

Follow the Virtually Wild Texas team and Region 4 Education Service Center on our social media pages!

Houston Community Partnerships and Engagement

Texas A&M Forest Service

Citizens' Environmental Coalition

Region 4 Education Service Center

Region 4 Education Science

dcns-vw-tx-bats

All About Bats!

Here at HHS Wildlife Center, we specialize in healing a group of amazing, fluffy critters who take to the skies at night - bats! Texas ranks as the bat capital of our entire country with an astonishing 33 different species, and Houston has the pleasure of being home to numerous bat colonies. As the only wildlife center in Houston able to care for these misunderstood creatures, we take pride in busting the harmful myths spread about these wonderful animals. Are bats blind? Do all bats drink blood? Do bats really swoop at human faces? Do all bats carry rabies? Join us to learn the truth about bats and why these animals are so important for our ecosystem! You will also get an inside look at our bat hospital where the magic truly happens!

Presenter: Raisa Zahin, Wildlife Educator

Location: Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center in Houston, TX

Provider: Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Houston Community Partnerships and Engagement Program, Texas A&M Forest Service, Region 4 Education Service Center

Cost: Free

Audience: This program is planned at a 3rd - 5th grade level, but students of all ages will gain useful vocabulary and an understanding of bats and their importance in our ecosystem.

TEKS:

Science:

Grade 3 - 1A, 1E, 4B, 5F, 5G, 12B, 12C, 13A
Grade 4 - 1A, 1E, 4B, 5F, 5G, 12B
Grade 5 - 1A, 1E, 4B, 5F, 5G, 12A, 12B, 13A

Please register:

Wednesday September 18, 2024

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Wednesday September 18, 2024

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

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Wonders of the Wetlands

Situated in the Alligator Capital of Texas, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of coastal marsh and prairie that borders Galveston Bay. Here, alligators, frogs, birds, snakes, and a lot of other wild critters can be found. In this program, students will learn about the value of wetlands and the important role they play in protecting the homes of humans and wildlife. Participants will wade out into the wetlands to dip net for invertebrates and get a close look at a variety of species that call this habitat home. Wild featured guests will be highlighted and will vary based on what Park Rangers catch that morning.

Presenter: Chris Campbell, Park Ranger and Stephanie Martinez, Outdoor Recreation Planner

Location: Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

Provider: Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Houston Community Partnerships and Engagement Program, Region 4 Education Service Center

Cost: Free

Audience: This program is planned at a 3rd - 5th grade level, but students of all ages will gain useful vocabulary and an understanding of how coastal wetlands are beneficial to both people and wildlife.

TEKS:

Science:

Grade 3 - 1A, 1E, 12B, 12C, 13A
Grade 4 - 1A, 1E, 4B, 13A
Grade 5 - 1A, 1E, 4B, 12A, 12C, 13A

Please register:

Wednesday October 9, 2024

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Wednesday October 9, 2024

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

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Super Cool Reptiles

Join staff naturalists from Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center in Humble, Texas to learn all about snakes, turtles, tortoises and more! Learn about fascinating reptiles found in Texas and across the U.S., including how to identify them, what they eat, how they live their lives, and what to do if you encounter one in the wild. We might even get a bonus visit from “Lucky”, the 13 ft. Burmese python! Whether reptiles fascinate you or not, they play an important role in nature, and this is your opportunity to learn more and meet them up close and personal!

Presenter: Christina Hartman, Assistant Park Manager

Location: Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center, Humble, TX

Provider: Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Houston Community Partnerships and Engagement Program, Texas A&M Forest Service, Region 4 Education Service Center

Cost: Free

Audience: This program is planned at a 2nd - 5th grade level, but students of all ages will gain useful vocabulary and an understanding of reptiles.

TEKS:

Science:

Grade 2 - 3C, 4B, 5F, 12A, 12B, 13B

Grade 3 - 3C, 4B, 5F, 12B, 13A
Grade 4 - 3C, 4B, 5F, 12B
Grade 5 - 3C, 4B, 5F, 12B, 13A, 13B

Please register:

Wednesday December 11, 2024

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Wednesday December 11, 2024

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

dcns-avian-adventure-nov23

An Avian Adventure

Our Avian Adventure programs will bring the world of birds to all ages and highlight birds, bird conservation and why birds are important. Meet some live bird ambassadors and learn how they live their lives in the wild -- and why they are important to people! This program offers an up-close look at these incredible creatures and their unique adaptations for survival.

Presenter: Mary Anne Morris, Education Director

Location: Wild Bird Adventures Headquarters, Hempstead, TX

Provider: Wild Bird Adventures, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Houston Community Partnerships and Engagement Program, Texas A&M Forest Service, Region 4 Education Service Center

Cost: Free

Audience: This program is planned at a 3rd - 5th grade level, but students of all ages will gain useful vocabulary and understanding of birds and bayous.

TEKS:

Science:

Grade 3 - 1E, 11A, 11B, 11C, 12A, 12B, 12C, 13A
Grade 4 - 1E, 4B, 12A, 12B
Grade 5 - 1E, 4B, 12A, 12B, 12C, 13A, 13B

Please register:

Wednesday February 12, 2025

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Wednesday February 12, 2025

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

dcns-fighting-fire-jan-2025

Fighting Fire with Fire: Heavy Equipment in Texas Wildfires

Join Texas A&M Forest Service staff from W.G. Jones State Forest in Conroe, Texas to learn all about fire science, the tools and equipment used in wildland firefighting! From bulldozers and engines to helicopters and airplanes, explore how natural resource professionals keep our forests healthy and communities safe from wildfire. Who knows—you might even meet Smokey Bear along the way!

Presenter: Alisha Brito, Resource Specialist

Location: W.G Jones State Forest, Conroe, Texas

Provider: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Houston Community Partnerships and Engagement Program, Texas A&M Forest Service, Region 4 Education Service Center

Cost: Free

Audience: This program is planned at a 2nd - 5th grade level, but students of all ages will gain useful vocabulary and an understanding of fire science, and the tools used in wildland firefighting.

TEKS:

Science:

Grade 2 – 1A, 1G, 4A, 4B, 5B, 10C
Grade 3 – 1A, 1G, 4B, 5B, 10C
Grade 4 – 1A, 4B, 5B
Grade 5 – 1A, 4A, 5A, 5E

Please register:

CANCELED

Wednesday January 15, 2025

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

CANCELED

Wednesday January 15, 2025

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Wednesday April 2, 2025

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Wednesday April 2, 2025

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

dcns-nocturnal-nature-2025

Nocturnal Nature-The Science of Adapting to the Dark

Owls, flying squirrels, bats, and opossums are pretty cool critters that have at least one thing in common – they are nocturnal. Nocturnal means they are most active at night time. How do they see in the dark? How do they catch food in the dark? How are they adapted to life in the dark of night? The Friends of Texas Wildlife, a wildlife rehabilitation volunteer organization, will shed some “light” on the science behind nocturnality and the roles these creatures play in the ecosystem. You will also learn about how you can help sick or injured wildlife. Virtually meet ambassador education animals that love the night life, and learn how to speak “owl”!

Presenter: Amanda Medina, Education Coordinator

Location: Friends of Texas Wildlife, Magnolia, Texas

Provider: Friends of Texas Wildlife, Texas A&M Service W.G Jones State Forest, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Houston Community Partnerships and Engagement Program, Region 4 Education Service Center

Cost: Free

Audience: This program is planned at a 2nd – 5th grade level, although there will be information that is suitable for other grade levels.

TEKS:

Science:

Grade 2 - 1A, 1E, 4B, 5F, 13B
Grade 3 - 1A, 1E, 4B, 5F, 13A
Grade 4 - 1A, 1E, 4B, 5F, 13B
Grade 5 - 1A, 1E, 4B, 5F, 5G, 13A

Please register:

Wednesday February 26, 2025

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Wednesday February 26, 2025

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

dcns-woodpecker-2025

Saving a Rare Texas Woodpecker from Extinction

Scientists across the southeastern United States are striving to save the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) from extinction. Once common in east Texas, this bird survives in small family groups on only a handful of managed forest lands. Learn about this magnificent, colorful bird and how foresters and wildlife biologists are managing the forest ecosystem 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.

Presenter: Donna Work, Biologist IV

Location: W.G Jones State Forest in Conroe, TX

Provider: Texas A&M Service W.G Jones State Forest, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Houston Community Partnerships and Engagement Program, Region 4 Education Service Center

Cost: Free

Audience: This program is planned at a 3rd - 5th grade level, but students of all ages will gain useful vocabulary and an understanding of the concepts shared.

TEKS:

Science:

Grade 3 - 1A, 1E, 4B, 5F, 5G, 12B, 12C, 13A
Grade 4 - 1A, 1E, 4B, 5F, 5G, 12B
Grade 5 - 1A, 1E, 4B, 5F, 5G, 12A, 12B, 13A

Please register:

Wednesday March 26, 2025

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Wednesday March 26, 2025

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Plastic Pollution & Bird-Saving Solutions

Did you know the upper Texas coast is an incredibly important area for bird conservation? Two billion birds migrate through Texas each year relying on our nutrient-rich coastlines and waterways to rest, nest, and refuel. In order to survive and thrive, our resident and migratory birds face many challenges, including plastic and trash pollution. For 30 years, the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) has been standing up for birds and their habitats. Learn from ABC’s Beach-Nesting Bird Program & SPLASh Program about our unique coastal birds, the challenges they face, and how you can get involved in their protection and conservation!

Presenter: Sarah Belles, Avian Ecologist & Liz Virgl, Education Specialist

Location: Carbide Park, Lamarque

Provider: Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Houston Community Partnerships and Engagement Program, Texas A&M Forest Service, Region 4 Education Service Center

Cost: Free

Audience: This program is planned at a 3rd - 5th grade level, but students of all ages will gain useful vocabulary and an understanding of Texas coastal birds, the challenges they face, and how to get involved in their protection and conservation.

TEKS:

Science:

Grade 3 - 4A, 4B, 12C
Grade 4 - 4A, 4B, 5G
Grade 5 - 4A, 4B, 5G, 12C

Please register:

Wednesday April 9, 2025

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Wednesday April 9, 2025

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM