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Champions for Wildlife has a simple mission: inspire kids to fall in love with wildlife using art and education. The organization has been visiting area schools since October 2022 and has already reached more than 1,800 students in K-8th grade.

During sessions last semester, volunteer teacher David Riddle presented a wildlife lesson with a focus on endangered and underdog species. Topics so far have included pollinators, biodiversity, birds, raptors, salamanders and hellbenders, scavengers, red wolves, and habitats. Each lesson is followed by a related hands-on art project with students using a variety of materials. The new curriculum planned for this fall will be led by Education Coordinator Alexis Hinchliffe and supported by staff and volunteers. 

“The Champions for Wildlife school program is a wonderful way to educate our local children. It’s a fun learning experience for them,” says volunteer Cathy Brettman. “I enjoyed seeing the delight in their eyes when they got to see a real live salamander up close and then used their creative minds to make a clay salamander to take home. What a great experience to share. I’m loving it!” 

How rewarding to see a child’s face beaming after making a clay wildlife sculpture!

There are other fun volunteer roles available as well, including helping with a native plant pollinator garden, sharing your wildlife expertise with the program, or assisting with social media and marketing. 

Follow the Support link on the website www.championsforwildlife.org to sign up for a simple online process or contact us at karen@championsforwildlife.org for more information. 

 

Submitted by Karen Dacey