The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has scheduled an introductory "Project Wild" workshop in North Idaho for teachers and youth leaders.

The workshop is scheduled for May 1-2, with sessions Friday evening from 4-9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Participation in both sessions is required to complete the workshop. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.

Project Wild is a wildlife-oriented, multi-disciplinary set of activities for use primarily with students.

The 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.

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

Participants receive activity guides full of educational activities. Each class has a materials fee of $35.

Optional graduate or undergraduate credit, one hour, is available for approximately $60 from several Idaho universities.

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 upon which all life depends.

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.

More 70 percent of Idaho teachers are currently incorporating "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.

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