Honk, honk! Is that the sound of a Canada goose? Nope, it’s a school bus horn, which can only mean one thing: school is back in session!
Our team is officially back in the classroom for the 2026–2027 school year, and we couldn’t be more excited to be helping students across Polk and Henderson counties explore the wildlife around them, create something inspired by what they learn, and discover how they can help protect the animals that share their communities.
Thanks to the generous support of our donors, volunteers, grantors, and board members, we’re reaching even more students this year with 350 programs scheduled, a deepened partnership in Henderson County, and the launch of a new three-part classroom series featuring monarchs, black bears, and, of course, the animal who started it all: the American Red Wolf. Awoooo!
Curious how the Red Wolf continues to shape our work and make a lasting impression on the students in our programs? Keep reading to find out! |
Red Wolf sculpture created by one of our 5th-grade students at FernLeaf |
What’s the long-term impact of your support, you ask?
During a recent Wild for Red Wolves program at FernLeaf, our educators spoke with 5th-grade students about wildlife underdogs and the importance of speaking up for animals that are often misunderstood, including the American Red Wolf. One student raised his hand and reminded us that after one of our Red Wolf lessons two years earlier, he had asked his local librarian if he could put up Red Wolf posters. She said yes, and he followed through. Now, he was ready to do it again, and his classmates were inspired to join him by creating art, writing letters, and teaching others about Red Wolves. Now that’s what we call a Champion for Wildlife! |
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Scott Comings/The Nature Conservancy |
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| Meet the American burying beetle! When the sun goes down, American burying beetles get to work! These nighttime scavengers search for dead birds and small mammals, bury their finds underground, and prepare them as food for their young.
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, Wildlife Lookout gives kids a free and safe way to discover species like the American burying beetle online, then take that curiosity outdoors to explore the natural world around them.
If you know a young wildlife explorer, we hope you’ll share Wildlife Lookout with them at www.wildlifelookout.org |
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David volunteering at our Pollinator Pop-Up Club! |
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"Volunteering with Champions for Wildlife is time well spent - something planted in the hearts of the next generation." - David, Volunteer A huge thank you to our incredible volunteers who make this work possible, from passing out art supplies in classrooms to editing grant proposals behind the scenes. We couldn’t do it without you!
Thinking about joining our volunteer pack? There are plenty of ways to get involved, both in person and remotely. If you’re local, we’re especially in need of volunteers in Henderson County! Reach out at volunteer@championsforwildlife.org to get started.
Already volunteering with us? Consider bringing a friend to your next session or connecting them with our team for a remote opportunity. |
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Ever wondered what the inside of a stone sculptor’s studio looks like? Hint: You might get a little dusty! Our team recently had the chance to step inside the studio of Dale Weiler, our Co-Founder and wildlife sculptor, and get an up-close look at some of the many pieces in his collection. (And some of our team members may have gotten a little dusty along the way...)
We’re in the process of adding even more of Dale’s sculptures to our website. In the meantime, check out what’s already available at the link below and see if one catches your eye! |
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