It’s spring break for a lot of schools around California. But instead of heading out on vacation, 16 motivated educators spent their time out at CWA’s Grizzly Ranch in the Suisun Marsh learning how to improve their students’ outdoor learning opportunities at our Wildlife Conservation Science Education Seminar.

During the four-day California Waterfowl program sponsored by the Mzuri Wildlife Foundation, Safari Club International Foundation and Safari Club International, the teachers had the opportunity to tour the Suisun Marsh, hike or kayak around Grizzly Ranch, get shotgun shooting instruction and more. In the end they earned certification in National Archery in the Schools Program, Project WILD, Project Learning Tree and Project WET.

The event is modeled after SCI’s American Wilderness Leadership School to inspire teachers of all grade levels to get firsthand experience with all aspects of wildlife conservation, including the importance of hunting, wetland management and the high value of outdoor activities to students.

As it has in previous years, this event had a profound effect on the participants. Here's some of the feedback we received from them:

"I had previously been against hunting, but have learned the necessity of hunters to the animal ecosystem."

"Molly (Maupin, CWA's education coordinator) and Sarah (Gonsalves, CWA's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman coordinator) were amazing. This has truly been one of the best experiences of my life."

"My favorite part was the hunting talk with Bob (McLandress, former president of CWA). It gave me a new perspective on what it means to hunt, how to honor the tradition of what hunting should be. It was my favorite because I like listening to the elders explain the reality.

"I'm already discussing incorporating archery with my principal!"

"Sarahbeth and Molly are incredible. You created a new outdoorswoman and fanned the flames of my passion for hands-on science and outdoor ed."

While this program is only offered once a year, CWA has many opportunities for teacher and students to get involved in outdoor education. To learn more, click here.