Georgia Department of Natural

ResourcesWildlife Resources Division Regional Education Centers

“To promote the conservation and wise use of Georgia’s

natural resources.”

Mission of WRD

We believe that EDUCATION is an important key in encouraging

Georgia’s citizens to use our natural resources wisely.

WRD’s Environmental Education Mission

Statement1. To cultivate an appreciation and

understanding of Georgia’s wildlife resources.

2. To foster wise stewardship of these resources.

3. To promote safe and ethical natural-resource based

recreation.

Regional Education

Centers are considered to be one of the best mechanisms for

meeting our education goals.

A permanent source of stable funding would greatly

enhance the effectiveness of our Regional Education

Centers.

FUNDING

Centers are minimally staffed with most Education

Coordinator positions funded on an annual basis.

Funding sources for Education Coordinators include WRD funds, DNR grants, NOAA grants, private donations,

RESA funds, and local school system funds.

Maintenance and operations costs are generally absorbed by the annual budget of the Game

Management or Fisheries Management Region where the

center is housed.

State Education Centers

Sapelo Island

Arrowhead

Grand Bay

Charlie Elliott

McDuffie

SmithgallWoods

State Education Centers

Arrowhead Education

Center

The center began operations in 1994..

The Education Coordinator is a certified teacher. She and a para-professional are both

employed by the Floyd County School System.

The Center is housed at Arrowhead WMA.

The primary focus is on Georgia wildlife, habitats, and the

environment.

First-Hand Knowledge

State Education Centers

Smithgall Woods Education Center

The center began operations in 1995.

The Education Coordinator is a retired teacher employed by

WRD.

The center is housed at Smithgall Woods – Dukes Creek

Conservation Area. Programming focuses on the proper use and

conservation of natural resources.

Programming is a cooperative effort between staff members from

WRD and PRHS.

First-Hand Knowledge

State Education Centers

McDuffie Education

Center

The center began operations in 1998..

The Education Coordinator is a certified teacher employed by the local school district.

The center is housed at a state-owned fish hatchery and public

fishing area.

The focus of this center represents a blending of

technology with the conservation of natural resources

First-Hand Knowledge

State Education Centers

Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center

Established in 1996, CEWC is funded by donations, grants, and

WRD funds.

Activities at CEWC are focused on

wildlife conservation education.

A variety of conservation wildlife programs are offered on-site for

both day-use and residential students.

The Education Coordinator and other staff are employed

by WRD.

First-Hand Knowledge

State Education Centers

Grand Bay Education Center

The center began operations in 1997.

The Education Coordinator is a certified teacher

employed by Coastal Plains RESAThe center represents a

partnership between WRD and Coastal Plains RESA and is housed at Grand Bay WMA.

The educational focus is on wetlands ecology, wildlife, plant

identification, air quality, and plant adaptations.

First-Hand Knowledge

State Education Centers

Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve

Programming for students began in

about 1985.

Programming by Education Coordinator and

Interpretive Ranger, both are WRD staff.

Funding for staff and programming efforts by an annual Federal Grant through the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration.

Programs highlight salt marsh (estuarine) and barrier island ecology as well as natural and

cultural history.

First-Hand Knowledge

Our centers promote

stewardship through Natural

Resource-based

programming such as ……

Stream Ecology

Carolina Bay Ecology

Pond Ecology

Coastal Ecology

Plant & Wildlife Studies

DisplaysDisplays depict local

fauna and flora as well as

the cultural

resources of the area.

We need to make a better effort to introduce kids to fishing, shooting

sports, and non-consumptive outdoor recreation.

Are We Meeting Our Education Goals?

Teachers realize the value of learning in an outdoor

classroom.

Programming Correlates With QCC /

GPS

2,250

5,000 5,100

2,677

6,122

1,450

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

Arrowhead SmithgallWoods

McDuffie Charlie Elliott Grand Bay Sapelo Island

Average Student Visitation -- On-Site

Number of Students On-Site is a Measure of Success

Number of Students Through Outreach is a Measure of

Success

8,750

4,300

17,948

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

Arrowhead SmithgallWoods

McDuffie CharlieElliott

Grand Bay SapeloIsland

Average Number of Students -- Outreach