OUTREACH & EDUCATION

The mission of our outreach and education program is to expose Utahans to the natural world around them while providing learning opportunities that inspire increased stewardship of our natural resources. Our program involve high school students, college students, and local residents conducting needed research on local wildlife populations.

TRAIL CAMERA DETECTIVES

Trail Camera Detectives is a series of educational modules, 'courses', designed to expose high school-aged youth to the application of the scientific method using motion-triggered infra-red cameras (i.e. trail cameras, game cameras). Within each 'course' five activities guide participants through one or two steps of the scientific method, from obtaining background information to presenting their conclusions. The materials are provided to educators in multiple formats, so that they can formulate the most appropriate method to conduct the Trail Camera Detective series. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COURSES

Educational Camps and Programs in Utah

​Color Country Natural Resource Camp 
is designed to introduce high-school students to natural resource career fields and a variety of outdoor recreation activities. Located in beautiful Southwestern Utah, our staff of real-world natural resource professionals can show you a world you've never seen before.

Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program 
WHEP is a 4-H and FFA youth natural resource program dedicated to teaching wildlife and fisheries habitat management to junior and senior level (ages 8-19) youth in the United States.
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Utah Envirothon 
The Envirothon is a natural resource competition for high school students. Teams of five students must, over the course of the school year, prepare themselves for this two-day outdoor competition, usually held in late April each year. Teams are tested on their knowledge in five designated study areas: aquatic ecology, forestry, soils/landuse, wildlife and a current environmental issue. The current issue changes annually.

Utah Range Camp
The Utah Range Camp is unique in providing students with a complete picture of the natural resources system (soil, water, plants, and animals), with an emphasis on the use and management of Utah’s rangelands. The knowledge obtained at the Camp provides all participants with a competitive edge at state, regional, and the national level rangeland judging contests. Range Camp is open to high school students from Utah, ages 14 - 18. 

Mustang Camp

Mustang Camp was created to give kids 12-18 experience and understanding of the wild and free-roaming horses in Utah. It has expanding to 5 states - find a camp near you here. Each June, participants join us overnight, where we teach horse ecology, wildlife ecology, and range management. Through hands-on activities, participants experience horse population management and rangeland health. Most excitingly, participants will join us on the range, where we get up-close and personal with a wild horse herd. 

WILDLIFE RESEARCH EDUCATION NETWORK (WREN)

WREN links high school students with research projects in their local community. The program teaches the scientific method while providing an avenue for students to explore and connect with the natural resources that surround them. Through their experience, students gain leadership skills, communication skills. an introduction to scientific technology, and a greater understanding of natural resources management. Click on a photo to learn about past projects

SOUTHERN UTAH WILD TURKEY RESEARCH

 A Cooperative Research Project of Wild Turkey Movements in Escalante, Utah.  Our Wild Turkey project is a first for southern Utah! Collaborators from Utah State University, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Escalante River Watershed Partnership combined forces to implement a study on the response of wild turkeys to riparian restoration in a desert environment.

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UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Part of Utah State University Extension’s mission is to provide opportunities for young scientists to gain experience with the scientific method through hands-on research. Often college students can conduct research for undergraduate class credit; and present their findings during campus research symposia.  The process provides students with the experience needed to be competitive in the job market or for graduate education.

Cedar breaks Trail-Camera RESEARCH

Ringtail Cat Genetics Research

Educational Resources​

​Acorn Naturalists 
Educational teaching supplies. Acorn Naturalists is registered as an independent small business, directed by teachers with advanced degrees in science education and a passion for learning.

Investigating Your Environment 
National Information on Conservation Education is a supplemental interdisciplinary curriculum for Grades 6-12. The IYE curriculum was developed in the 1960s and was one of the first comprehensive efforts in environmental curriculum. Although nearly 50 years old, many of the lessons are still applicable and useful in today's classrooms. The focus of the curriculum is on hands-on investigations of the school's local area.

(NICE) Database 
The National Information for Conservation Education (NICE) Database is the primary way that USFS tracks and monitors programs and activities in conservation education across the nation. This online, searchable database of education programs is a terrific clearinghouse for finding programs and resources that connect children with nature. Program reports include goals and objectives, partners, and contact information. Search the database by area, type or topic.

Project Learning Tree 
​is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12.

Discover The Desert
​Learn ways to explore the Mojave desert in Washington County, Utah and beyond!