Wildlife Management Areas

The goal of WMAs is to serve as a wildlife research demonstration area where biologists study and evaluate wildlife and habitat management practices.

Building and placement of wood duck and bat boxes

Interpretive trail upkeep and maintenance

  • Gravel
  • Vegetation trimming
  • Fence maintenance and boundary posting

Erosion control

  • Move rocks from field to make low dams, which will help slow water flow and minimize erosion

Habitat management

  • Cutting small cedars
  • Debris removal before doing a prescribed burn
  • Planting native grass seeds in different places at the WMA
  • Coordinate with Highway Department to collect clippings after they mow the roadsides and bring it to the WMA. They could scatter it with some soil to help establish plants in the WMA.

Seasonal hunts

  • Data collection at check in sites during hunting season
  • Could assist in research of wildlife management and population control

Wetlands, Prairie, Marsh Restoration Project

  • Planting of trees, grasses
  • Reforestation

Hiking/interpretive trail development

  • Many Wildlife Management Areas do not have hiking trails or interpretive trails since their major purpose is to demonstrate proper management practices. Students or teachers involved in an ongoing project could develop hiking/interpretive trails, survey the local species and produce literature for visitors

Suggested contents for developing Teacher Packets

The following ideas have been generated by example packets and teaching developed at several sites.

  • Background Information on the site
  • Brief description of site
  • Directions on how to reach park
  • Maps of the park
  • Reservation information
  • Facilities
  • Suggestions for a successful field trip
  • Student etiquette of park guidelines for behavior
  • First aid information
  • Proposed itinerary
  • Suggested checklist for teacher contact with park personnel
  • Cultural history
  • Geological history
  • Natural region of Texas
  • Habitat types
  • Script for interpretive displays or exhibit room
  • Guide to Woody and Herbaceous Plants
  • Copy of trail guide stations
  • Copy of checklists for wildlife
  • Suggestions for pre-trip and post-trip activities
  • Activities from Project WILD and Aquatic WILD adapted to your site
  • Blackline copies that are reproducible by the teacher
  • Other educational facilities or sites in your area
  • Slide program for pre-trip use to prepare group before visit