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4-H WHEP teaches youth about wildlife
STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) is inviting youth interested in wildlife to join in a fun and educational experience.
“Every year, youth from 9 years to 18 years of age participate in contests that aim to increase their knowledge of wildlife food, water, cover, space and other requirements,” said Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist. “Youth younger than nine also are invited to give it a whirl.”
In addition to wildlife food and plant cover requirements, WHEP participants learn about management methods such as prescribed fire, brush piles and vegetative plantings.
“After learning to see the world as a wildlife biologist sees it, many WHEP participants have gone on to study wildlife biology in college,” Elmore said. “It all starts with one or more interested adults in a county who are willing to work with their OSU Cooperative Extension county educators and local youth.”
Adults are needed to organize training events and transport youth to regional and state contests.
“Expertise is not required but coaches should enjoy motivating and working with youth,” Elmore said.
An introductory training for potential coaches and participants will take place on Feb. 24 in Stillwater. Contests take place during the spring for the eastern and western region and at the state level.
“Last year our winning team went to Nationals, which was at the Wisconsin Dells,” Elmore said. “The 2007 winning team will represent Oklahoma while enjoying the magnificent scenery of southwestern Utah.”
Anyone interested in additional information about WHEP should contact his or her OSU Cooperative Extension county office, usually listed under “County Government” in telephone directories.
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STORY WRITTEN BY:
Ashley Mason
ACS News and Media Relations Intern
MEDIA CONTACT:
Donald Stotts
Interim ACS Director/News and Media Relations Manager
Agricultural Communications Services
143 Printing Building
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-4079
Fax: 405-744-5739
E-Mail: donald.stotts@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
