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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

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

Did you know that drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are an important tool used by natural resource professionals to gain insight into forest health issues, wildfire or disaster response, and habitat management? Drones help us make maps that are important in responding to quick-changing events like a wildfire, as they can reach areas that might be difficult to access safely. Did you know that drone operators must receive a specialized pilot license to fly a drone? Talk with professionals that use drone technology to gather real-time information that helps forests and wildlife. Learn about the technology and high-flying fun that is used in multiple careers and research projects.

Presenter: Caroline Cruz and Shruthi Srinivasin, Texas A&M Forest Service

Location: Texas A&M Forest Service, W.G. Jones State Forest

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

Cost: Free

Audience: This program is planned at a 3rd - 5th level and high school Environmental Systems students, but students of all ages will gain useful vocabulary and an understanding of how technology is used to help manage public lands for the benefit of people and wildlife.

TEKS:

Science:

Grade 3 - 2A, 3C, 4A, 9A

Grade 4 - 2A, 3C, 4A

Grade 5 - 3C, 4A, 9A, 9C

Social Studies:

Grade 4 - 8A, 8C

Environmental Systems

High School - 2H, 3E

Please register:

Wednesday May 4, 2022

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Wednesday May 4, 2022

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Save Texas Wildlife with Your Phone - Join the City Nature Challenge and Become a Citizen Scientist!

The City Nature Challenge is a global event (from April 29-May 2 and May 3-May 8 in 2022) which engages ‘citizen scientists’ from across the planet to observe and record animals and plants in their local communities. Cities compete with each other to see who can (1) observe the greatest number of species (2) have the most observers and (3) or have the greatest number of observations. Texas has done well in this event the last two years because of its amazing biodiversity and we need your help this year!

Learn about the City Nature Challenge, the iNaturalist app/webpage (used to make and list observations during the City Nature Challenge), how your students and you can become safely involved, and how scientists are using data from iNaturalist to restore wildlife habitat!

Educators’ Toolkit to City Nature Challenge:
https://citynaturechallenge.org/education-toolkit

Presenter: Jaime González, Houston Healthy Cities Program Director at The Nature Conservancy

Location: Live from the field!

Provider: The Nature Conservancy in Texas, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Houston Community Partnerships and Engagement Program, Texas A&M Forest Service, Citizen's Environmental Coalition, 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 technology is used to help collect research benefitting wildlife and people.

TEKS:

Science:

Grade 3 - 2A, 2E, 3C, 4A, 9A, 9C
Grade 4 - 2A, 2E, 3C, 4A, 10A
Grade 5 - 2B, 2E, 3C, 4A, 9A, 9C

Social Studies:

Grade 4- 8A, 8B, 8C

Please register:

Wednesday April 27, 2022

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Wednesday April 27, 2022

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

dcns-vw-flower-garden-apr22

A Close Look in the Gardens

Why is that flower pink? What is the smallest animal we can find? Science helps us understand what’s happening around us. Join us for a beautiful stroll through the gardens during this program; where students will discover a variety of plant life and ecosystems growing on site! Plants, no matter where they grow have basic needs, and are widely used by both people and wildlife. Experience the many benefits of being in nature (virtually) and learn about the small things that can make a big impact!

Presenter: Houston Botanic Gardens Staff and Volunteers

Location: Houston Botanic Gardens

Provider: Houston Botanic Gardens, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Houston Community Partnerships and Engagement Program, Texas A&M Forest Service, Citizen's Environmental Coalition, 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 various plants, their needs and uses by both people and wildlife.

TEKS:

Science:

Grade 3 - 2A, 3C, 7A, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, 10B
Grade 4 - 2A, 3C, 7A, 9A, 9B, 10A
Grade 5 - 2B, 3C, 9A, 9C, 10A

Please register:

Wednesday April 13, 2022

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Wednesday April 13, 2022

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Reptile Adaptations

What is an adaptation and how do adaptations enable an organism to survive and flourish in its environment? Can adaptive behaviors protect an animal? How can a snake swallow prey larger than its head? These and more questions will be answered as we closely examine and interact with live alligators, snakes, and turtles. You will learn how these species have adapted to be successful in their environment.

This program will take place at Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, home to these critters and many others! The 44,000-acre refuge is comprised of freshwater sloughs that wind through salt marshes, woody thickets, and prairie. It’s a great place to see, enjoy, and learn about nature.

Presenter: Ruby Lewis, Texas Master Naturalist

Location: Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Angleton, TX

Provider: Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Friends of Brazoria National Wildlife Refuges, 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 how reptiles have evolved and adapted to their environment.

TEKS:

Science:

Grade 2- 2A, 3C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A
Grade 3 - 2A, 3C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A
Grade 4 - 2A, 3C, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B
Grade 5 - 3C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, 10B

Please register:

Wednesday March 23, 2022

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Wednesday March 23, 2022

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Wildlife Under the Sea

Located on 75 acres in Lake Jackson, Sea Center Texas is a marine aquarium, fish hatchery, and education center all in one! Join us as we explore salt marsh, coastal bay, coral reef ecosystems, and the life found within! Staff and volunteers will give an upclose look at different fish, crabs, and other sea critters and point out their amazing adaptations that help them survive in their surroundings. Sea Center Texas is one of three marine fish hatcheries operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD). We'll learn about the science behind fish life cycles and how scientists are managing healthy populations. Students will not only discover more about a variety of aquatic creatures, but will learn the tools and practices use to better understand their way of life. If you're looking for a wet and wild program, virtually of course, look no further!

Presenter: Jordan Kieffer and Juliana Moore, Program Specialists, Coastal Fisheries Division

Location: Sea Center Texas, Lake Jackson, TX

Provider: Texas Parks and Wildife Department Sea Center of Texas, 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 various aquatics habitats, the wildlife that live there, and the tools use to study them.

TEKS:

Science:

Grade 2- 2A, 3C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, 10C
Grade 3 - 2A, 3C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, 10B
Grade 4 - 2A, 3C, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 10C
Grade 5 - 3C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A

Please register:

Wednesday March 9, 2022

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Wednesday March 9, 2022

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Winter Waterfowl

Duck, duck, goose! Have you ever wondered about the wildlife that live in the coastal prairies and wetlands in Texas? Join Outreach Specialist Bethany live from Katy Prairie's Indiangrass Preserve to learn about an everchanging landscape and waterfowl that call it home. Dust off your investigative skills, discover what waterfowl need to survive and how you can help! Following this program, students are encouraged to submit their best North American waterfowl art entries and participate in this year's Junior Duck Stamp Conservation Program and Art Contest, connecting the Sciences and the Arts!

Presenter: Bethany Foshée, Stewardship and Outreach Programs Manager

Location: Katy Prairie Conservancy, Indiangrass Preserve

Provider: Texas A&M Forest Service, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, Citizen's Environmental Coalition, Katy Prairie Conservancy, 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 winter waterfowl.

TEKS:

Science:

Grade 3 - 3C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A
Grade 4 - 3C, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B
Grade 5 - 3C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A

Arts:

Kindergarten-Grade 5- 2A, 3D

Please register:

Wednesday February 23, 2022

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Wednesday February 23, 2022

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Birds of the Bayou

Birds abound at Armand Bayou Nature Center! See several, unique bird specimens and artifacts, discovering more about how bird's adaptations help them survive. Ask experts about birds of prey, learn about bird's natural habitats, and even some beginning birding tricks and tools. With so many various habitats including tall coastal prairie, riparian flatwoods forest, and the tidal marsh, a real nature adventure is guaranteed!

Presenter: Heather Millar, Director of Education and Volunteers

Location: Armand Bayou Nature Center, Clear Lake, TX

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

Cost: Free

Audience: This program is planned at a K - 4th grade level, but students of all ages will gain useful vocabulary and understanding of birds and bayous.

TEKS:

Science:

Kindergarten- 2A, 2B, 3C, 4B, 9B, 10A, 9B
Grade 1- 2A, 2C, 3C, 9A, 9C, 10A
Grade 2- 2A, 2C, 2F, 3C, 4B, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A
Grade 3 - 2A, 3C,4A, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A
Grade 4 - 2A, 3C, 4A, 9A, 10A, 10B

Social Studies:

Grade 4 - 8A, 8B, 8C

Please register:

Wednesday February 16, 2022

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Wednesday February 16, 2022

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Virtually Wild! Texas Teacher Roundtable

Virtually Wild! Texas offers monthly virtual field trips highlighting wildlife, nature related topics, and careers. It's only possible with the efforts of 5 partners and we want to bring YOU to the table. As we plan for this school year, we're all doing things we've never done before. Join us for an engaging conversation on how we can best serve YOU and your students with your virtual learning needs!

Presenter: Felice Yarbough, Urban Park Ranger

Location: Virtual

Provider: Texas A&M Forest Service, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, Citizen's Environmental Coalition, Region 4 Education Service Center

Cost: Free

Audience: Teachers

Please register:

Wednesday January 19, 2022

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Thursday January 20, 2022

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Not on My Watch! Wildlife Inspectors Working for Wildlife and You

Wildlife inspectors are the nation’s front-line defense against the illegal wildlife trade. They enforce the laws that protect wildlife like elephants, rhinos, sea turtles, and even sea horses. Inspectors need to know the law as well be able to identify thousands of different species of wildlife. They use a variety of tools to find animals that are often hidden in cargo shipments, clothing -- some that are even smuggled in suitcases and handbags. Meet U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wildlife inspectors and K9 Allie! Get an up-close look at how they're protecting wildlife at the Houston airport.

Presenter: Lauren Beck, Wildlife Inspector and K9 Allie

Location: George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Provider: U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas A&M Forest Service, Citizen's Environmental Coalition, Region 4 Education Service Center

Cost: Free

Audience: This program is planned at a 4th-5th grade level, but students of all ages will gain useful vocabulary and an understanding of how wildlife laws and their enforcement help both people and wildlife in Houston and around the world.

TEKS:

Science:

Grade 4 - 3C, 10A, 10B
Grade 5 - 3C, 9A, 9C, 10A , 10B

Please register:

Wednesday January 19, 2022

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Wednesday January 19, 2022

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Turtles & Tortoises Around the World

Although these animals aren't the fastest in the animal kingdom, they're still pretty cool! Turtles and tortoises can be found almost everywhere around the world, some more well-known than others. Tune in with herpetologist, John, to learn all about some awesome turtles and tortoises, their special adaptations, what threats their populations face, and what you can do to help them.

Presenter: John Carey, Park Naturalist

Location: Jesse Jones Nature Center and County Park in Humble, TX

Provider: Jesse Jones Nature Center and County Park, Texas A&M Forest Service, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, Citizen's Environmental Coalition, 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 - 3C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A
Grade 4 - 3C, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B
Grade 5 - 3C, 9A, 10A

Please register:

Wednesday December 8, 2021 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Wednesday December 8, 2021 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Wednesday December 15, 2021 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Wednesday December 15, 2021 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Texas Coastal Marsh in My Backyard

Let’s explore Texas A&M Sea Grant Nikki Fitzgerald’s backyard coastal marsh together in the ‘Alligator Capital of Texas’! You will get to learn the many purposes of a marsh with live demonstrations and hands-on activities. Learn about the importance of our coastal marshes and discover the many different animals that call it home. Nikki will cover topics over habitats for animals, animal adaptations, weathering, erosion, and deposition.

Presenter: Nikki Fitzgerald, Coastal and Marine Resource Educator

Location: Backyard Coastal Marsh in Chambers County

Provider: Texas A&M Agrilife/Texas Sea Grant, Texas A&M Forest Service, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, Citizen's Environmental Coalition, 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 - 3C, 7A, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A
Grade 4 - 3C, 7A, 7B, 7C, 9B, 10A
Grade 5 - 3C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A

Please register:

Wednesday November 10, 2021 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Wednesday November 10, 2021 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Wednesday November 17, 2021 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Wednesday November 17, 2021 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Noctural Nature - The Science of Adapting to the Dark

Hooo, hoooo! 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 fascinating 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”! This fun program will be all treats, no tricks!

Presenter: Caroline Cruz, Conservation Education Coordinator and Cathie Coudert, Friends of Wildlife Texas

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

Provider: Friends of Texas Wildlife, Texas A&M Forest Service, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, Citizen's Environmental Coalition, 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 the concepts shared.

TEKS:

Science:

Grade 2- 2A, 9A, B, &C, 10A
Grade 3 - 3C, 9A, B, & C, 10A
Grade 4 - 3C, 9A, 10A&B
Grade 5 - 3C, 9A&C, 10A&B

Social Studies:

Grade 4 - 8C

Please register:

Friday October 29, 2021

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

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: Caroline Cruz, Conservation Education Coordinator and Donna Work, Wildlife Biologist

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

Provider: Texas A&M Forest Service, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, Citizen's Environmental Coalition, 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- 3C, 4A, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A
Grade 4- 3C, 4A, 9A, 10A, 10B
Grade 5- 3C, 4A, 9A, 9C, 10A, 10B

Please register for ONE session:

Wednesday October 20, 2021

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Wednesday October 20, 2021

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Fired Up for Wildlife in the Woods!

Have you enjoyed a lazy sunny afternoon at a state forest, watching pollinators buzz by the lush native wildflowers and towering pine trees? Can you imagine birds with a full belly from feeding on a buffet of insects and berries? Can you picture a deer and her baby fawn munching on the soft green blades of grass? Does this sound like a Texas tall tale? What if we told you this story was made possible because of fire – would you believe us? Well, this tale is all fact – not fiction! Some trees have evolved with fire in their habitat, and prescribed fire has been used for thousands of years to keep forests and grasslands healthy for humans, plants, and animals.

In this program, learn all about how natural resource professionals use fire to make a healthier forest ecosystem, why weather is so important, and how fire plays an important role in making optimal habitat for many species of wildlife including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Learn the differences between a wildfire and a prescribed fire. See the tools that are used in prescribed fires and in fighting wildfires, and learn how you can make fire a part of your job! You don’t want to miss this fired up program!

Check out Project Learning Tree’s “Living with Fire” student lessons and STEM strategies:

https://www.plt.org/activity-resources/prek-8-activity-81-living-with-fire and a lesson plan:

https://www.plt.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/PLT_LearnAboutForests_Living-with-Fire.pdf

NATURE OF FIRE FOR GRADES 6-8:

https://www.plt.org/news/activity-collections-nature-of-fire-for-grades-6-8

ALL ABOUT WILDFIRES: CAUSES, EFFECTS, AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES:

https://www.plt.org/educator-tips/wildfires-causes-effects-educational-activities

Presenter: Caroline Cruz, Conservation Education Coordinator and Connor Murnane, District Forester

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

Provider: Texas A&M Forest Service, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, Citizen's Environmental Coalition, Region 4 Education Service Center

Cost: Free

Audience: This program is planned at a 2nd - 8th grade level, but students of all ages will gain useful vocabulary and a better understanding of the concepts shared.

TEKS:

Science:
Grade 2- 1B, 2A, 3C, 4A, 5B, 6A, 7C, 8B, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, 10B
Grade 3 – 1B, 3C, 4A, 6A, 7C, 8A, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A
Grade 4 – 1B, 3A, 3C, 4A, 8A, 9A, 9B, 10A,
Grade 5 - 3C, 6A, 8A, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, 10B

Grade 6 – 1A, 1B, 2E, 3A, 3D, 9A, 9B, 12F

Grade 7 – 1A, 1B, 2E, 3A, 3D, 5A, 5B, 8A, 10A, 10B, 10C, 11B, 11C, 12A, 13A

Grade 8 – 1A, 1B, 2E, 3A, 3D, 11A, 11B, 11C

Middle School:

Career Development - 1A, 1B, 2B, 2C

High School:

Scientific Processes - ES.3(E), ESS.3(E)

Social Studies:

Grade 3 – 3A, 3B, 3C, 7C,

Grade 4- 1B, 6A, 8A, 8B, 9A, 8C

Grade 5 – 8A, 8B

Grade 6 – 5A, 5B, 5C

Grade 7 – 8C, 9A, 19 D

Grade 8 – 11B

Please register for ONE session:

Wednesday October 13, 2021

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Wednesday October 13, 2021

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

7145 West Tidwell Road | Houston, Texas 77092-2096 | 713.462.7708

McKinney Conference Center: 7200 Northwest 100 Drive | Houston, Texas 77092

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