Natural Resources

4-H Wildlife Project

The Colorado 4-H Wildlife Project inspires youth to explore the history, values, and management of wildlife.

In Unit 1, The Worth of Wild Roots, participants learn about the historical significance of wildlife conservation and the benefits wildlife provides to people. Unit 2, Living Wild in an Ecosystem, focuses on understanding wildlife habitats, how habitat size and shape influence species, and factors affecting wildlife populations. Unit 3, Managing in a World with You and Me, teaches youth about wildlife management, including agencies responsible for conservation, threatened and endangered species, hunting, wildlife damage management, and invasive species.

Across all units, hands-on experiences help youth connect with nature and understand the role of humans in wildlife stewardship.

County 4-H
Overview & tips
a close-up of two grey Crown Crane Birds facing each other like a bonded pair

Project Overview

UNIT 1

The Worth of Wild Roots

Designed for members 8-18 years old.

Inspiring youth to:

  • Learn what wildlife conservation has been historically
  • Learn the values of wildlife and people
  • Accomplish the following learning experiences
    • Wildlife Roots
    • Wildlife Values
    • Dirt on Both Hands

UNIT 2

Living Wild in an Ecosystem

Designed for members 8-18 years old.

Inspiring youth to:

  • Understand wildlife habitat
  • Learn how size and shape of habitat patches affect various wildlife species
  • Learn what makes wildlife numbers go up or down
  • Accomplish the following learning experiences
    • Habitat
    • Wildlife as Part of an Ecosystem
    • Dirt on Both Hands

UNIT 3

Managing in a World with You
and Me

Designed for members 8-18 years old.

Inspiring youth to:

  • Learn how we manage wildlife and what agencies are responsible
  • Study threatened and endangered species, hunting, wildlife damage management, and invasive species
  • Accomplish the following learning experiences
    • Wildlife Management
    • Wildlife and People
    • Dirt on Both Hands

Official Project Materials

Materials & Curriculum

Project Aid

e-Record Tip Sheet

Judging/Scoring Resources

Wildlife Score Sheet

Project Manuals

Wildlife Conservation 1: The Worth of Wild Roots (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)

Project Manuals

Wildlife Conservation 2: Living Wild in an Ecosystem (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)

Project Manuals

Wildlife Conservation 3: Managing in a World with You and Me (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)

Member Resources

Find Your County

Counties play a crucial role in 4-H by providing a platform for young people to learn and grow.

Counties facilitate the delivery of 4-H programs that are of particular interest in their area and qualified, compassionate adult leaders run local clubs to support our youth 4-H members.

To find out if this project is supported locally, contact your local extension office.

CONTACT Your Local Extension Office

Upcoming Events

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Project Tips

  • Complete the Wildlife e-record and secure in a sturdy binder
  • Select and complete field activities and make a nature journal
  • Record your explorations and observations in the Wildlife e-record
  • Share new skills through demonstrations, talks and exhibits
  • Try out the experiments in the manual
  • Do as many activities in the manual as possible
  • Find a topic for your exhibit from what you learned
  • Enter your exhibit in the county fair
  • WOODEN DISPLAY CASES ARE NOT ALLOWED
a common kingfisher in motion, flying low over water with a splash, likely during a hunting dive or emergence. The bird has a stocky body, a large head, and a long, sharp bill. Its plumage is a striking combination of iridescent blue upperparts and bright orange underparts. Water droplets are suspended in the air around the bird, highlighting the speed of its movement

Careers

a young lady wearing gloves holding a sea turtle

Wildlife Biologist

Studies animal behavior, genetics, populations and ecosystems; conducts field research to monitor wildlife health and populations

wildlife conservation scientist cutting small plants with scissors

Conservation Scientist

Manages and protects natural resources and habitats; works on habitat restoration and develops conservation strategies

Ecologist wearing orange gloves appearing to work with plant seeds in a greenhouse environment

Ecologist

Studies ecosystems and the interactions between organisms and their environment; researches environmental change

Two Giraffes crossing necks in wild

Wildlife Manager

Manages wildlife populations and habitats; develops management plans to ensure sustainable populations

A man, presumably an Environmental educator, wearing professional safety gear stands in a marshy, natural environment.

Environmental
Educator

Teaches the public about wildlife & conservation issues; develops educational programs & outreach materials

A female photographer with arms outstretched looking skyward wearing a backpack and holding a camera in her right hand standing next to a big river

Wildlife Photographer/ Documentary Maker

Captures images or footage of wildlife for publications, documentaries for educational purposes

wildlife zoologist with an Owl perched on his outstretched arm wearing a safety glove/arm guard

Zoologist

Studies animal physiology, behavior, & taxonomy; conducts research to understand animal biology and ecology

Swarm of fish swimming together under water

Marine Biologist

Focuses on marine ecosystems and ocean dwelling species; studies behavior, physiology & conservation