School year’s final Wild Washington Live events: Wildlife disease and shrubsteppe habitat

OLYMPIA – Students have two final opportunities to participate in Wild Washington Live! events during the 2020-2021 school year on May 14 and May 21 – the latest in a series of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) virtual field trip learning opportunities provided via Zoom.

On Friday, May 14 from 10-10:45 a.m., students can join a WDFW veterinarian and biologist for a “Look at Wildlife Disease in Washington”. Students will venture inside an animal hospital to see how WDFW veterinarians work with partners to treat shell disease in endangered Western pond turtles. Along the way students will learn how WDFW staff identify and treat disease in various wildlife species throughout the state.

The last program of the season will take place on Friday, May 21 from 9-10 a.m. In “Shrubsteppe Live!” students will explore the sagebrush sea in the Whiskey Dick Wildlife Area Unit. A WDFW habitat biologist will teach students about biodiversity and what plants and animals call the shrubsteppe home.

Wild Washington Live! is a part of the Wild Washington 3-12th grade education program that includes interdisciplinary lessons for teachers, homeschool parents, and informal education groups. The Wild Washington program is designed for both remote and in-person learning.

The live series began in Jan. 2021 and has included experiences with WDFW officers, fish biologists, Washington State Parks, and more. Students are encouraged to bring their questions for the WDFW experts.

“Wild Washington Live! events have been a great opportunity for students to connect with career professionals while learning about the rich natural resources and diverse ecosystems of our state,” said environmental education coordinator Leia Althauser.  

Wild Washington will continue in the fall with new Live! events and lesson plans.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.