Everyone who has spent any time in the outdoors of North Idaho has seen a wild turkey. Actually, if you have seen one you have likely seen dozens as they spend much of their time in large flocks, especially in winter. Where there is one there are often many.

Natural curiosity about these strange and unique birds may have you wondering...what do they eat? Where do they sleep to avoid predators? Do they nest in trees or on the ground? Why do some gobble and others not? Are domestic turkeys and wild turkeys the same? And, why are some of them walking around these days with their brilliantly colored tail feathers all fanned out?

A "Wild about Turkeys" Project Wild workshop is being offered in North Idaho for teachers and youth leaders. Attendees will learn about the interesting and unusual habits of the wild turkey, a non-native species that was introduced into Idaho in the 1960s.

Every grade school educator talks about turkeys when Thanksgiving rolls around each November. Teachers participating in this workshop will receive activity guides they can use with their students...and the materials are tied to Idaho's state standards! For this workshop, the Idaho State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will purchase additional educational materials for you.

Optional continuing education credits are available through multiple Idaho universities for a fee, the fees are set by the institutions providing the credit. Credit usually runs about $60.

Scheduled for April 25-26, the workshop includes a Friday evening (4-9 p.m.) at the Post Falls Cabela's store (meeting room), and most of the day on Saturday. Saturday times will be determined once the date approaches, as it is hoped the weather will allow for an early morning field trip to hear gobblers calling from the treetops and ridges to attract hens. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.

Project Wild activities develop awareness, knowledge and skills concerning the relationships between humans, wildlife and the natural world. Wildlife concepts are related to social studies, mathematics, language arts and other subjects and do not take time away from established curricula.

Each workshop involves participants in the activities and demonstrates techniques for integrating the supplementary materials into classrooms and informal learning settings.

Project Wild is used throughout the United States and several other countries. The goal of the program is to assist learners in developing a commitment to responsible and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment.

Wildlife is an indicator of environmental health, and is important to our quality of life. Where there is abundant wildlife there is likely to be clean air, clean water, diverse vegetation and healthy soil.

Young people are fascinated by the study of wildlife, opening windows of learning into all subject areas. Project Wild is based on the premise that young people and their teachers have a vital interest in learning about the Earth as home for people and wildlife.

Many Idaho teachers are currently incorporating Project Wild activities in their classrooms. If you are a teacher or youth group leader not familiar with Project Wild, ask around. Discover how other professional educators feel about the program. Then reserve a spot in this or a future workshop online at fishandgame.idaho.gov. Go to the "education" tab, then click on "Project Wild" specialized workshops.

Phil Cooper is a wildlife conservation educator in Coeur d'Alene for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.