What is Project WILD™?
Project WILD™ is a national program of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Project WILD's mission is to provide wildlife-based conservation and environmental education that fosters responsible actions toward wildlife and related natural resources. All curriculum materials are backed by sound educational practices and theory, and represent the work of many professionals within the fields of education and natural resource management from across the country.
Project WILD K-12 Guide
​The K-12 Guide is an interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program that focuses on wildlife and habitat. The goal of Project WILD is to develop awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment resulting in informed decisions, responsible behavior, and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment.
The K-12 Guide includes - Field Investigation Activities; In Step with STEM Activity Extensions; WILD Work Career Connections; Outdoor Components

Aquatic WILD K-12 Guide
Water in all its forms is one of the most dramatic of today's arenas in which informed, responsible, and constructive actions are needed. Aquatic WILD uses the simple, successful format of Project WILD activities and professional training workshops but with an emphasis on aquatic wildlife and aquatic ecology.
Educator Training Opportunities
As a State Partner for Project WILD, EEAI hosts lively, hands-on educator trainings which assist the teacher in using the materials to bring environmental education into the classroom immediately upon return. The trainings are instructed by certified Project WILD™ facilitators and include science content-based background, guides and activity alignment to NGSS standards.
Sample Project WILD and Growing Up WILD
​Activity Downloads

COMING SOON!

Project WILD for Early Childhood Educators - Growing Up WILD

The Activity Guide

The activity guide, Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children:
  • Is written especially for early childhood educators of children ages 3-7.  
  • Features 27 field-tested, hands-on, nature-based, ready-made thematic units and over 400 experiences in a full-color 11”x17” activity guide.
  • Includes outdoor explorations, scientific inquiry, art projects, music and movement, conservation activities, reading and math connections and "Healthy Me" dovetailing with the Let's Move Campaign.
  • Involves social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive domains to help foster learning and development in all areas.
  • Supports developmentally appropriate practice allowing children to learn at levels that are individually, socially, and culturally appropriate.
  • Is correlated to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Standards and the Head Start Domains.
  • The 2012 edition of GUW has updated snacks to the My Plate! food program to ensure healthy snacks in alignment with many Head Start and early childhood center standards.

Standard Correlations

For full information on how each guide aligns to applicable standards please visit the AFWA Project WILD website. 

Upcoming Trainings

​Project WILD Online Asynchronous Class
​        for Pre-Service Teachers
Online Class Available February 11 - May 31, 2022
Cost per student - $10
Class is self-paced and done independently. 
Gain training in the Project WILD K-12 Curriculum and Activity Guide. 

Project WILD is an interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program that focuses on wildlife and habitat. The goal of Project WILD is to develop awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment resulting in informed decisions, responsible behavior, and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment.  

Project WILD connects kids to nature through:
  • Field Investigation Activities
  • In Step with STEM Activity Extensions
  • WILD Work Career Connections
  • Outdoor Components
This self-paced course will take you through six Project WILD activities. Through readings, videos, and hands-on components, you will become familiar with Project WILD pedagogy and comfortable using the guide. 

Participants will be mailed the guide upon completion of the course. A certificate of completion can also be provided from EEAI. 
Course will take approximately 10 hours to complete. 
Course is being offered to IL pre-service educators at a large discount through EPA funding. Typical cost of the guide and course is $35. 

Host a Training/Find a Facilitator

Illinois State Project WILD Coordinator Consultant

Meghan Bowe
815.670.8497​
eeaiprojects@gmail.com