Habitat Management

Relevance of Topic:

One of the best ways to save wildlife is to save wildlife habitat. One way for students to learn about the habitat needs of wildlife is to learn about methods for improving habitat for wildlife.

This is also an opportunity for students to learn about some of the organizations and agencies that deal with natural resource management in Pennsylvania and how their decisions and actions affect wildlife habitat.

PA Environment & Ecology Standards Reference:

Grade 7 Grade 10

4.2.7 A2; B1, 5

4.3.7 B1 4.3.10 B1

4.6.7 A2, 5; C4 4.6.10 A4, 7, 10, 11, 13; B2; C3

4.7.7 A2; B4, 5, 6; C1, 2, 3, 4, 8 4.7.10 A1, 2, 3; B1, 2; C1, 2

4.8.7 C2; D2, 3 4.8.10 C1

Key Vocabulary:

habitat management, management plan, management strategy, renewable resource, population, linear, exponential, limiting factors

Suggested Sequence for Use of Video & Teacher’s Guide Materials:

• show video clip on the habitat improvement work done by the Wild Turkey Federation

• facilitate Project WILD activity "Turkey Trouble"

• show video clip on timber cutting as a habitat management practice

• facilitate Project Learning Tree (PLT) activity "A Forest of Many Uses," using the "time saving alternative" noted on p. 99 (divide class into three teams; each team brainstorms ways to manage for wildlife, recreation or products)

• continue by facilitating Project Learning Tree (PLT) activity "400-acre Wood"; when determining student groups of 4-5 students, be sure to include at least one student from each of the three groups in the previous activity; encourage students to incorporate ideas from each of the previous brainstorm lists, into the decision making for this activity

• have students read brochure on the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy; discuss the importance of conservation organizations such as this one

• show video clip which covers the work of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in "promoting healthy and attractive communities"

• facilitate Project WILD activity "Improving Wildlife Habitat in the Community"

For Discussion:

Why does wildlife habitat need to be "managed"? Why can’t it simply be left alone? Are there ever situations where wildlife habitat is simply left alone?