wildlife habitat evaluation program s. nicole frey, ben c. west, david drake
TRANSCRIPT
What is the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program
4-H program designed to teach young people:
– wildlife management– conservation– leadership– communication– stewardship
WHEP
One of the most visible 4-H programsacross the NationConducted at local, state, regional andnational levels
Began in the 1980s as a state 4-H program in Tennessee.
Young adults 14-18 years of age
Involvement
• Won Wildlife Society’s Conservation Education award in 1996
• 21 states involved
• 100 youth per state
• Teaching our future
leaders
Lessons Learned
• 16 states participated in a survey at last year’s National Competition
• 21 teams per year at National Competition
• Coaches had been involved for 7.5 years
• Had been coaches for 7 years
Lessons Learned
• 100 participants annually
• Youth pursued NR management careers
• Coaches involved because: important learning opportunity for youth, their own children were involved, enjoyed wildlife and wanted to share this enthusiasm
Impacts
• Teamwork • Improved oral communications • Improved written communications• Interpersonal/social skills • Decision making • Leadership skills