TPWD Education and Technical Assistance Programs

Private Lands and Habitat Management Program

This program provides technical assistance to persons desiring to include wildlife management considerations in present or future land use practices. This service is strictly advisory and is provided without charge to cooperating land managers. (Contact: Private Lands Program, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, 512/389-4395). Learn more about Private Lands and Habitat Management Program.

Fishery Management Assistance

Fisheries biologists provide telephone advice for stock tanks and/or fisheries in private waters, as well as consultation for the management of fisheries and habitat in public waters of the state. Brochures and handouts are available describing various fish species and fishery management procedures. (Contact: Inland Fisheries, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, 512/389-4444). Learn more about Fishery Management Assistance.

Hunter Education and Boater Education Programs

These mandatory programs are designed to aid in the development of safe and responsible activities. The programs are primarily oriented towards young people, however, instructor certification and programs for adults are available as well. All participants who complete these courses are issued certificates. (Contact: Hunter and Boater Education Branch, 4200 Smith School Road , Austin , TX 78744, 512/389-4999). Learn more about Hunter Education and Boater Education.

Project WILD and Project WILD Aquatic Programs

Learn how to teach ecology, wildlife management, and environmental concepts through this national award-winning training and curriculum for educators. Activities are adaptable for all levels, and integrated with core subject curricula. Six-hour training workshop includes comprehensive, teacher-tested activity guide.

Teachers who take the Project Wild workshops can receive Continuing Education Credits for TEEAC (Texas Environmental Education Advisory Committee) and SBEC (State Board for Educator Certification) credit. For more information, call toll-free (800) 792-1112. Learn more about Project WILD and Project WILD Aquatic.

Texas Nature Trackers

This citizen-scientist monitoring effort is designed to involve volunteers of all ages and interest levels in gathering scientific data on species of concern in Texas. The goal of this effort is to enable long-term conservation of native Texas species and appreciation among Texas citizens. Current Texas Nature Tracker projects include Texas Horned Lizard Watch, Texas Hummingbird Round-up, Texas Monarch Watch, Texas Mussel Watch, Texas Amphibian Watch, Texas Black-tailed Prairie Dog Watch, Texas Box Turtle Survey, and Adopt-a-Species Projects. For more information, please contact Marsha May, Wildlife Diversity Branch, (512) 389-8062. Learn more about Texas Nature Trackers.

Texas Wildscapes

Create a wildlife habitat in your backyard, school, or community park. The Texas Wildscapes book includes instructions, plant lists, background information on bird and butterfly gardens and a weatherproof sign upon Texas Wildscape Certification. Texas Wildscapes is available for $24.95. To find out more, call (512) 389-4644 or toll-free (800) 792-1112, ext. 9-4644. Learn more about Texas Wildscapes.

Urban Biologists

Urban biologists provide wildlife and habitat conservation information to urban residents, schools, businesses, and local governmental agencies. Speakers and educational resources are sometimes available. Urban teams are located in six major urban centers. To speak with an urban biologist in your area, contact:

Austin : (512) 409-0689
Dallas/Fort Worth: (972) 293-3841
El Paso : (915) 774-9603
Houston: (281) 456-7029
Rio Grande Valley: (956) 571-5359
San Antonio: (210) 688-6444

Educational Loaner Trunks

Educational loaner trunks providing both hands-on activities and study materials about Texas' valuable ecosystems, plants and animals are available to educators. Learn more about Educational Loaner Trunks.

Texas Land Trust

A land trust is a local, state or regional nonprofit organization directly involved in protecting land for its natural, recreational, scenic, historical or productive value. Learn more about Texas Land Trust.

Community Education Outreach Programs

The mission of the these programs is to involve new constituencies in the activities and programs of the TPWD. This involvement will provide these new constituencies a service and a tangible, long-lasting product that builds a solid foundation for social and economic prosperity. The focus of the educational programming is directed to the inner-city communities and the youth of Texas. The outdoor educational programs such as the Texas Buffalo Soldiers Program blend the natural and cultural patterns of early Texas and explain how these patterns influenced the way of life. Learn more about Community Education Outreach Programs.

Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program

A variety of barriers prevent women from participating in outdoor recreation, but typically they were not given an opportunity to learn outdoor skills as girls or young adults. The "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" program wants to change that. The goal is to provide an atmosphere where women feel comfortable learning new skills associated with hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities, in a supportive and non-threatening environment. Learn more about Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program.

Texas Master Naturalist Program

You will enhance your love of nature with research-based, scientific knowledge and receive in-depth training in wildlife and natural resource management to focus on the native ecosystems of your home. You will also have the opportunity for advanced training in special subjects that interest you. You will provide your community with volunteer service in the form of educational activities, projects, or demonstrations. You might serve on a speakers bureau to make presentations to community organizations, or you might introduce children to local plants, insects, and animals through an after-school project. You might serve as a guide at a local nature center, or you might build trails or exhibits at a local park. Learn more about Texas Master Naturalist Program.