Clubs apply for the grants by submitting management plans detailing the proposed management area and target wildlife species. Plans should include management goals, wildlife inventories, water-quality survey, a proposed budget and proposed management practices. Outside the classroom, activities include counting and identifying wildlife and their habitat needs, seining for fish, taking water samples, planting native plants that are beneficial to wildlife, installing structures to control water levels, and creating artificial nesting sites. Students learn how to conduct a water quality survey, inventory wildlife species, map vegetational succession stages, manage habitat for a target wildlife species, and present their findings to the public. The project culminates with a banquet where the clubs present their projects to a judging panel and receive awards for their efforts.
Wetlands are an invaluable natural resource in today's world.
They provide necessary wintering and breeding habitat for 35 percent of rare and endangered species. Wetlands also provide numerous socioeconomic values ranging from flood control and groundwater recharge to recreational values such as fishing, hunting, bird watching, and nature photography. While wetlands are an important resource, they are also a shrinking resource. Due to processes like mining, petroleum extraction, urban and agricultural development, and reservoir 3 building, over 50 percent of Texas' original wetlands have been lost, according to McDonald. Teachers and volunteer leaders with a basic understanding of general biology can work with youth to implement this project.