Outdoor Recreation/Wildlife

Outdoor Recreation/Wildlife

In this project, students explore the natural world through hands-on experiences in wildlife identification, outdoor skills, conservation, and environmental stewardship. From learning about local wildlife and habitats to developing practical outdoor recreation skills, students build knowledge while strengthening life skills like observation, problem-solving, critical thinking, and responsibility.

Most programs are offered at little to no cost and are announced throughout the year as they are planned, giving students opportunities to participate based on their interests and schedules. The project also includes Wildlife Judging, which has separate practices and competition opportunities.

SPRING 2027 REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW! REGISTER BELOW!


Ever wonder how scientists keep track of bird populations?

You can help! Join us for a hands-on introduction to birdwatching and citizen science as we participate in the National Great Backyard Bird Count. Learn to identify local birds by sight and sound, practice observing and recording bird activity, and submit your findings to real-world scientists who use community observations to study bird populations and conservation. You’ll discover how a little curiosity and careful observation can make a big difference in understanding and protecting wildlife!

Date: Friday, February 12, 2027

Time: 9:00AM – 10:30AM

Location: Aspen Grove Park, 3200 Aspen Grove Rd, Franklin, TN 37067

Eligibility: Any 4th – 12th grade student; younger siblings welcome with parent supervision

Cost: FREE!

Wildlife Judging offers a unique opportunity for students to gain deeper understanding about the natural world, and develop real-world skills in wildlife identification, habitat management, and conservation. Students learn to recognize wildlife based off of several factors, including tracks, food sources, scat, and sound, and practice how to manage land to support various wildlife populations. This hands-on experience not only builds knowledge of ecology and animal behavior, but also prepares for potential careers in wildlife management, conservation and environmental science.

Any 4th – 12th grade 4-H member may participate in wildlife judging for free – no prior experience required!

To Join:

  1. Sign up for Williamson County 4-H here: https://tiny.utk.edu/joinwilco4h
  2. Register for wildlife judging: https://tiny.utk.edu/WilcoWildlifeJudging

Regional Wildlife Judging Contest:

Any 4th – 12th grade student with Williamson County 4-H may compete.

Date: May 11, 2027

Location: TBA

Thursday, March 25, 2027

Thursday, April 1, 2027

Thursday, April 8, 2027

Thursday, April 15, 2027

Thursday, April 22, 2027

Thursday, May 6, 2027

Time: 5:30 – 7:00PM

Location: Ag Expo Park, 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN 37064 unless otherwise noted.

Cost: FREE!

How do I sign up?

1

Review Program Details

Please read through the eligibility, dates, and policies closely! This information is very important. Free programs like Animal Science, Horse, and Communications are available to join year round.

*if you are also joining a paid class, please start by paying for that class on its page!

Wildlife and Forestry classes explore various wildlife, plant science, hydrology, and ecology topics with leaders in the wildlife and conservation space. From understanding feather structure, to plant biology, fishing strategies, and more, students will develop a love for the natural world and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Step beyond the classroom and into the role of a wildlife observer, analyst, and manager. This hands-on class series is designed for students who want more than facts – they want to understand how ecosystems function, how animals interact with their environment, and how people make decisions that shape local wildlife populations.

NOTE: Students may enroll in field skills SEPARATELY OR AS A BUNDLE. Costs for each class is listed beside the class topic. The entire series of classes can be purchased as “Field Skills Bundle” at a cheaper per-class cost than buying separately.

Field Skills Bundle (which includes all classes listed below): $65

Field Skills Class Details:

Summer Birding* | Thursday, July 28 | 3:30 – 4:30 PM | $10

Stream Ecology & Macroinvertebrates* | Tuesday, July 21 | 1:30 – 2:30 PM | $10

Evening Frog Calls* | Thursday, August 6 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM | $10

Owl Pellet Dissection** | Thursday, Sept 10 | 5:30 – 6:30 PM | $35

Fishing Lure Making** | Tuesday, Oct 13 | 1:30 – 2:30 PM | $25

Deer Aging and Scoring** | Tuesday, November 3 | 1:30 – 2:30 PM | $10

*Will be taking place outside in a location within 30 minutes of the Williamson County Ag Expo Park.

**Will be taking place indoors at the Williamson County Ag Expo Park (4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN 37064).

Grade Level: Rising 5th – 9th Grade

There are only 20 spots available for these classes! Spots are first come, first served. Spots are not fully reserved until parents complete BOTH registration and payment.

What is 4-H?

4-H is a youth development organization dedicated to hands-on educational programming and offers a unique blend of learning and fun! 4-H instills essential life skills like recordkeeping and responsibility, setting your student up for success in academics and beyond. With access to college scholarships and leadership roles, 4-H empowers youth to thrive as future leaders. 4-H’ers get many opportunities to exercise citizenship, which fosters a sense of community and global awareness and nurtures well-rounded individuals.

Through fun, educational experiences and the lifelong friendships forged within the 4-H community, your child will grow both academically and personally, laying a strong foundation for a bright and promising future!

Interested in more classes with Extension?



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