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FROM AWARENESS TO ACTION: BEHAVIOR CHANGES RESULTING FROM THE WILDLIFE AND INVASIVE SPECIES EDUCATION™ (WISE™) PROGRAM

Extension Education

James Davis
County Extension Director
UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County
Bushnell

Abstract

Florida supports one of the most biologically diverse environments in the United States, with over 4,000 animal species inhabiting diverse ecosystems across the state. However, rapid human population growth, an increase of more than three million residents since 2010, has intensified human wildlife interactions and increased pressure on native habitats. These changes highlight the need for a variety of natural resource education approaches delivered under comprehensive Extension programs such as the Wildlife & Invasive Species Education™ (WISE) program to promote wildlife awareness and conservation behaviors.

The objective of this educational program was to increase awareness and adoption of practices that support native wildlife conservation and responsible wildlife observation. The Wildlife & Invasive Species Education™ (WISE) program provides research-based education on Florida wildlife, habitats, and stewardship practices.

Educational methods included online webinars, in person classes, interpretive hikes, and experiential learning opportunities that allowed participants to learn in classroom settings and observe wildlife and habitats directly in the field. Program evaluation was conducted using follow up surveys administered to participants attending program events between 2022 and 2025.

Results demonstrated measurable knowledge gains and behavior change. 82% (241 of 294) reported increased awareness of preserving native wildlife and ecosystems, while 93% (285 of 308) shared knowledge gained from the program with others. 76% (218 of 286) incorporated wildlife friendly practices at home, and 72% (160 of 223) created or improved habitats for birds, butterflies, or other wildlife. Additionally, 69% (152 of 220) successfully identified wildlife species in the field. Participants also reported adopting birdwatching as a hobby 41% (92 of 225), visiting new parks or wildlife areas 51% (108 of 210), and replacing invasive plants with native or non-invasive species 47% (49 of 104).

These findings indicate that Extension education can enhance wildlife knowledge and promote conservation behaviors among participants. Providing a diversity of educational approaches, including classroom instruction and field experiences, helps residents better understand Florida’s wildlife resources and encourages stewardship of native ecosystems.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: James Davis, Brittany Scharf, Maxine Hunter, Brooke Moffis, Amanda Marek, Calvin Gardner, Lisa Sanderson
  1. Davis, J. County Extension Director, UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County , Florida, 335138716
  2. Scharf, B. County Extension Director/Sea Grant Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County, Florida, 34604
  3. Hunter, M. Agriculture and Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension Marion County, Florida, 34470
  4. Moffis, B. Commercial Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension Lake County, Florida, 32778
  5. Marek, A. Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, UF/IFAS Extension Marion County, Florida, 34470
  6. Gardner, C. Urban Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, Florida, 32812
  7. Sanderson, L. Residential Horticulture Agent/Master Gardener Coordinator, UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County, Florida, 33513