Students and teachers learn about the importance of biodiversity while creating outdoor teaching sites and/or habitat. The development of a WILD School Site strengthens the integration of state Core Curriculum Content Standards into science, social studies, math, language arts and other subjects during the learning process. The activities are supplementary and to not displace any subject. Gaining community support is also an important component of the program.

Being able to see and work in natural areas increases students' enthusiasm for learning and can positively impact their self-esteem.

Photos of WILD School Site Projects

WILD School Sites materials include "Homes for Wildlife: A Planning Guide for Habitat Enchantment on School Grounds". The guide contains hands-on activities for K-12 students via service-learning and provides information to help teachers lead projects with their students. WILD School Sites materials complement not only Project WILD but Project Learning Tree, Bridges to the Natural World and other education programs.

The activity guide is only available through workshops. The workshop process not only provides teachers with more information than they might receive by simply reading the guides, but also develops a commitment to use the materials.

Workshops can be held on a weekday, weekend, or after school over the course of 2 days. They can be held at environmental education centers, nature centers or schools. Workshops are a minimum of 5 hours and are conducted for groups of 12 to 20 participants.

The cost of a workshop is nominal and includes the WILD School Sites guide and other teaching materials (provided by NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife). Please contact the state Project WILD Coordinator for details: Liz.Jackson@dep.state.nj.us.

WILD School Sites Application Form (pdf, 29kb)

Technical and Financial Assistance

Under the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), the Natural Resources Conservation Service can provide technical and financial assistance for creating, enhancing and maintaining wildlife habitat on school grounds and at environmental education and nature centers. This cost-share program covers enhancement materials such as native plants, seeds, and fencing to protect plants. More than 30 schools and environmental education centers throughout the state have developed "WILD School Sites" with WHIP technical and financial assistance

For more information about the WHIP program visit the NRCS website at www.nj.nrcs.usda.gov/.

Interested in becoming a workshop leader for Project WILD or Aquatic WILD?

Facilitators are trained through a mentoring process. Candidates receive "on-the-job" training working with a previously certified "facilitator." Workshop leaders can receive a $200 stipend for the workshop. Teachers, naturalists and other educators are encouraged to participate.

Become a workshop facilitator! (pdf, 43kb).