MU Extension hosts national youth wildlife education event, July 28

• WHAT: National 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program.
• WHEN: July 25-30; media invited to observe outdoor educational activities on Monday, July 28, 8:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• WHERE: July 28 activities will take place at the Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, Route K, Columbia.
• WHO: Sixty-three 4-H and FFA youth from 17 states, plus 32 adult leaders/coaches, including Missouri 4-H and University of Missouri Extension faculty, and biologists from the Missouri Department of Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• CONTACT: Gerry Snapp, 573-882-5547 or [email protected].

COLUMBIA, Mo.– University of Missouri Extension is hosting the Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) 2014 national contest, July 25-30 in Columbia. More than 60 4-H and FFA youth from 17 states will experience hands-on learning about the biology and management of wildlife habitats and fisheries.

Participants will compete individually on species identification, general wildlife knowledge, ability to evaluate wildlife habitat and understanding of habitat management practices.

Teams of youth will evaluate habitat quality at a defined site, and then develop a written habitat management plan for that site. Individual team members will appear before a panel of judges to answer questions and present an oral defense of the plan.

Media are invited to observe outdoor educational activities on July 28 at the Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area. Activities, which are designed to provide an overview of wetlands management, will include turtle trapping and tagging, “fish-friendly” structures, and small-boat tours of the Missouri River hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri River Relief.

For more information, contact Gerry Snapp, 4-H youth development specialist and co-chair of the WHEP state committee, at 573-882-5547 or [email protected].

WHEP is a nationwide natural resource program for 4-H and FFA youth ages 8-19. Youth ages 14-19 who win their state’s contest are eligible to attend the national contest, which is held in a different state each year. To learn more, go to www.whep.org.