Texas Project WILD

10/16/2026

This week were thrilled to share Aquatic WILD activities with a group of educators at the Texas Association for Environmental Education at Camp Aranzazu in Rockport.

10/16/2026

Happy Facilitator Friday! This week we introduce Marie Lester, a teacher in Victoria.

"I was very involved about 10-15 years ago! I have stayed on the mailing list, used the curriculum, but not been very involved in a while. Accidentally became a science teacher... never wanted to be a teacher but here I am! Worked in environmental education for 10 years, then a chemical plant, then hospice, then moved to teaching when I had my own children."

10/14/2026

It's a WILD Wednesday, and this week we encourage you to look at Texas cities that are 'Teaming Up for Birds' by obtaining their Bird City Texas designation. This Flying WILD activity asks students to look for organizations in their communities that are helping to preserve and improve bird habitat.

Help protect birds and their habitats where we live, work, and recr...

10/09/2026

On this Facilitator Friday we introduce you to the 2026 Texas Project WILD Facilitator of the Year, Veronica Guzman.

I got certified in Project WILD back in 2014 and became a facilitator in 2017. Since then, I’ve used tons of WILD activities—first as an Environmental Educator and now as a Park Ranger with TPWD. I’ve also had the chance to train all kinds of folks, from teachers and Master Naturalists to child care providers, and it’s been awesome helping them get WILD, too.
I grew up in the Rio Grande Valley—one of the most biodiverse places in the country—but I honestly didn’t realize that until I was well into adulthood. It wasn’t until my late 20s that I became what you’d call a naturalist. Now, being outdoors is my absolute favorite thing to do! My favorite place to “nature” is the Big Bend region of Texas. I love the desert—exploring the backcountry, the dark skies, the wildlife, the mountains, and how the desert is gorgeous but absolutely not shy about reminding you who's in charge. I love the challenge and the self‑reliance it teaches you.

10/08/2026

We are excited to be hosting a combo Project WILD and Aquatic WILD workshop this December at YMCA Camp Carter in Fort Worth! Join us and take advantage of the lower combo price to receive both guides and over 100+ environmental education activities!

More information and registration here: https://tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/education/wild/project-wild-aquatic-combo_fw

10/07/2026

Dissecting and examining owl pellets is a common activity in classrooms and environmental education programs. Both Project WILD and Growing Up WILD have lessons and worksheets to help educators share this with students.

Learn more about some of Texas' smallest owls living in the Davis Mountains in this video.

Deep in the Davis Mountains of West Texas, a rare sky island forest...

10/05/2026

Registration is closing soon for this Growing Up WILD workshop in Fort Worth with Camp Fire First Texas. To learn more visit: https://tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/education/wild/growing-up-wild-workshop-camp-fire

10/02/2026

On this Facilitator Friday we are introducing Jesse Hillger, Education Coordinator at the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy.

"My introduction to PW was about 2.5 years ago when I first started working for the Conservancy as a Contract Educator. Even though I had been a classroom instructor and tour guide for many years, I found the training beneficial and helped me create more engagement with my programs. Now as the Education Coordinator, I encourage the educators that work for the Conservancy to become a part of PW.
If you are familiar with Laura Ingalls Wilder and "Little House on the Prairie", I grew up 10 miles west of Walnut Grove and Plum Creek. I was a beekeeper for two seasons during college. During my first deployment in the USAF, I literally traveled around the world. I was interviewed by "The Texas Bucket List" while I was the manager at a local show cave. "

10/01/2026

Wanting to learn more about living with bears and how Project WILD can support your education programs? Check out the newest online course from the national Project WILD office that launched today.

WILD About Bears is now open! Register for Project WILD's latest online professional development course to learn more about the bears of North America and ways to get your students excited about these smart and curious mammals.

Target audience: Formal and non-formal educators who teach students in grades 3-8

Description: In this 3-hour self-paced course, you will learn more about the bears of North America and how to implement the activity “Limiting Factors: How Many Bears?” In the activity, students simulate bears foraging for food and resources to survive. As a group, students perform calculations based on the pounds of food collected during the activity and discuss limiting factors for bear populations. Course participants explore more about black bears, grizzly bears, and polar bears and their adaptations to survive in their specific habitats, bear safety for an expanding population, and meet bear biologists working to understand bear patterns. This mini course provides additional resources for teaching students about bears in the U.S.

For more information and the registration link to Conservation Learning Campus, please visit projectwild.org and click on "Online PD Courses for Educators."

09/30/2026

On this WILD Wednesday we are visiting indoor wildlife. Aquatic WILD's 'Designing a Habitat' asks students to look at what animals need to be kept successfully in captivity - from proper space, to diets, and enrichment.

Do you recognize these Texas exhibits?