The National 4-H Wildlife Habitat Educational Program (WHEP) is a dynamic initiative aimed at teaching youth the essentials of wildlife and fisheries science and management. This program emphasizes the importance of managing land, water and populations to support wildlife.

The primary goal of Jr. WHEP is to establish a middle school program that engages young people with a keen interest in wildlife, wildlife habitats and conservation efforts. This interactive environmental education program is designed to provide participants with hands-on learning experiences and to offer a platform to test their wildlife knowledge in a friendly, competitive environment.

Participants in Jr. WHEP gain an understanding of wildlife science including terms and concepts, exploring different habitats and techniques to judge the quality of the habitats. Additionally, they gain knowledge about habitat management practices and strategies for managing wildlife damage, equipping them with a well-rounded foundation in wildlife conservation.

Educating the youth about local ecosystems and the importance of wildlife native to southern Louisiana is crucial for sustaining the state’s love of the outdoors. Louisiana is known for its rich hunting and fishing culture; however, without educating young people on ways to protect Louisiana’s ecosystems, this could become a thing of the past.

A one-day regional Junior Wildlife Habitat Education Program Challenge was held at Camp Grant Walker in Pollock for sixth through eighth grade Central Region members. The youth participated as teams where each activity contributed to a final challenge. The scenario tasked each team with creating a plan to increase the sightings of ruby-throated hummingbirds at the LSU AgCenter’s Botanic Gardens due to the bird’s foundational role in the food chain as pollinators.

This was the first time the Youth Wetlands Program hosted the event, which welcomed more than 50 youth supported by 11 adult volunteers. There were 12 teams, each including a 4-H junior leader who provided guidance to younger members. Participants learned about teamwork, their environment, wildlife within their environment and its importance to their lives. The challenge has proven to be an effective way to engage youth in environmental education and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of wildlife and its habitats.

Youth were given scat, pelts and other identifying objects from various animals and tasked with identifying each source. Photos provided by Adriane Bercegeay

Students work to match different bioregions with their location in the United States.

Participants sort through characteristics to determine which are from urban or rural areas.