Conservation Education

The department offers a variety of educational resources for children, formal and non-formal educators, and the general public.

Want to host an environmental educator at your school, community center, scout troop, homeschool group, library, etc.? Use our Educational Programs Contact Form to tell us about how we can offer programs for your groups. In the meantime, check out the other programs and events we have going on below.

Green Mountain Conservation Camp

A residential camp offering week-long sessions during the summer for boys and girls ages 12-16. Campers will learn about wildlife and fisheries management, hunter education and firearms and bow training, archery, fishing techniques, aquatic ecology, camping, hiking, and outdoor survival and safety skills.

Junior Warden Weekend

Teens ages 15-17 are invited to spend a weekend outdoors with our State Game Wardens learning how they contribute to conservation in Vermont, getting hands-on experience in fishing, hiking, exploring mock crime scenes, and more.

Natural Resources Management Academy

A special weekend at the Buck Lake Conservation Camp for students (grades 7-12) ready to explore, in depth, Vermont’s natural resources.

Wildlife Management & Outdoor Education Techniques for Educators

PART I - A one-week course held in July for formal and non-formal educators interested in integrating environmental topics into their curriculum. Three graduate credits available.
PART II - This three-day residential course held in June builds off the concepts introduced in PART I week-long course. Must take Part I before taking Part II

Let's Go Fishing

Hands-on education activities that features fishing techniques, tackle craft, ethics, ecology, and fisheries management. This is an excellent program for educators, both formal and non-formal. Volunteer Instructors receive materials free by attending an instructor training workshop.

Hunter Education

From traditional classroom classes to online courses (18+), there is a course to fit your learning style. Classes are free and open to everyone, even if you are just curious about trapping, hunting, or bowhunting and simply want to learn more. Topics include live fire, wilderness survival, ethics, firearm safety, map and compass, wildlife conservation and more! First-time hunters, bowhunters and trappers must successfully complete their respective course to purchase their first license.

Learn to Hunt

This program is designed for new adult hunters to learn in depth about a specific type of hunting with their peers after taking a Basic Hunter Education Course. Learn to Hunt Weekends are put on for deer hunting, turkey hunting, upland game, and waterfowl. Visit our Fish and Wildlife Seminars webpage for schedule of events and more information.

National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®)

NASP® is open to students in grades 4-12 where learning comes together around archery. This in-school program aims to improve educational performance and increase participation in the shooting sports for students. Each unit is designed for inclusion in a school’s physical education curriculum, but can be presented by history, language, art, or other teachers. Bring NASP® to your school by becoming a Basic Archery Instructor (BAI). See more info or to find a BAI training at www.naspschools.org or contact Nathan.Lafont@vermont.gov (802) 828-1193.

Women in the Outdoors

This 2-night event for women identifying and non-binary folks is a place for safe learning and community building with like-minded people. Hosted by the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, this event is a fun way to learn more about the outdoors and connect with others. Examples of activities include: Birding hike, wild game cooking, fishing techniques, fish filleting, shooting rifles, shotguns, and bows, turkey hunting tactics, and lots more! Learn more by calling 802-828-1193 or e-mail Nicole.Meier@vermont.gov

Trout in the Classroom

Bring the science of Vermont’s aquatic ecosystems into your classroom. Students learn about early trout development and anatomy, habitat, water chemistry, life cycles and much more.

Fish Art Contest

Students participating in the Fish Art Contest explore and learn about Vermont’s fish species, using art, science, and creative writing to connect with the outdoors.

Project Wild Workshops

Training workshops are available for four different curriculum guides – Project WILD, Aquatic WILD, Growing Up WILD and Flying WILD.

Virtual Bird Banding Lesson

Over the past several years, hundreds of students have participated in hands-on bird banding and bird lessons, learning about biological sampling techniques, migratory birds, and more. We are excited to offer this series of lessons online for educators across Vermont.

Scat and Tracks Program

Designed for kindergarten through eighth grade youth across Vermont, this program allows students to get outside and explore the Vermont landscape in a unique way.

Furbearer Kits

A hands-on kit for teachers to borrow to educate students about Vermont’s furbearing animals, such as mink, beaver, fisher, and red fox. Each kit includes pelts, skulls, track sets, scat sets, track field guides, and a book of activities for use in the classroom. Reserve a kit by calling 802-828-1000 or emailing the department.