Managing Our Wildlife Lesson Plan

Grades: 8 - 12
Length of Program: 45 minutes
Time of Year: Year round
Preferred Adult/ Student Ratio: 1/10

Summary:

Nature has always taken care of our wildlife. So why do we need to do so today and how is this accomplished? Walking among grassland, wetland and woodland habitats, students will learn what wildlife management is and how it is being applied at Horicon Marsh and other similar areas.

Teacher Preparation:

None

Academic Standards Addressed:

Environmental Education
B.8.3 Explain the importance of biodiversity
B.8.8 Explain interactions among organisms or populations of organisms
B.12.2 Describe the value of ecosystems from a natural and human perspective
B.12.3 Evaluate the stability and sustainability of ecosystems in response to changes in environmental conditions
B.12.6 Predict population response to changes in environmental conditions
B.12.7 Evaluate the importance of biodiversity

Special Instructions:

None

Materials:

None

Procedure:

Through a classroom-style talk and interpretive hike, introduce the students to woodland, wetland and grassland habitats. Include for each a description of common wildlife that depends on these habitats and how they are managed to benefit various wildlife. Tell how sustainable populations are achieved through population monitoring, habitat restoration, and sustainable harvest. Also, discuss the value of various ecosystems to both humans and wildlife, describing how a balance can be reached between human and wildlife needs.

Wrap-up:

Discuss the importance of biodiversity at Horicon Marsh and beyond.

Contact Information

Bill Volkert
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area
N7728 Hwy 28
Horicon, WI 53032
(920) 387-7860

Questions for Wildlife Management