Wildlife Educator Resources

Wildlife Education Center Permits

Wildlife that cannot be rehabilitated for release back into the wild can be authorized and licensed for use at facilities for wildlife education. Most wildlife species can be authorized for use in education programs. However, white-tailed deer and black bears are not eligible for such authorization.

The programs provided by these facilities are performed at no cost. An individual who provides such programming must have a minimum of 200 hours of experience in handling and care of the species to be used in educational programs.  

Facilities utilizing raptors for programs must also have permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Project WILD

TWRA offers Project WILD in partnership with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Project WILD’s mission is to provide wildlife-based conservation and environmental education that fosters responsible actions toward wildlife and related natural resources. All curriculum materials are backed by sound educational practices and theory and represent the work of many professionals within the fields of education and natural resource management from across the country.

The activities found in Project WILD instructional materials are intended for use in both classroom and informal settings and are designed to support state and national academic standards appropriate for grades K–12. TWRA offers educator and facilitator training for adults who want to use Project WILD materials.

Environmental Education in Tennessee, also referred to as EEinTennessee.org, is a comprehensive resource for locating outdoor programs, groups, workshops, and classroom activities/ideas in Tennessee.

Flying WILD is a program that promotes learning about birds by bringing students, teachers, and communities together to celebrate Migratory Bird Day.

Project WILD is a wildlife-focused conservation education program for K-12 educators and their students.

Project WET  Water Education projects

Cornell Lab of Ornithology has a page with exercises to Celebrate Urban Birds. Free stuff!!

TWRA Woodworking for Wildlife, Bird Box Plans

Discover Birds

In October of 2011, an idea was conceived for the children who would attend the 2012 Crane Days, and so began the Tennessee Ornithological Society (TOS) sponsored Discover Bird Activity Book. The first edition of the book was a simple coloring book created and illustrated by Vickie Henderson and printed in December 2011. Currently, the book is a 36-page activity book redesigned by Vickie and a dedicated group of TOS individuals to introduce birds, their habitat, their adaptations, and amazing migration journeys to children through games and activities.

The printing of The Discover Birds Activity book is funded through an ongoing joint effort between the Tennessee Ornithological Society and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

If you'd like to obtain books for your students, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, or campers, contact Cyndi Routledge at routledges@bellsouth.net