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WILDLIFE & INVASIVE SPECIES EDUCATION™: CREATING A WISE PROGRAM IN YOUR STATE

Natural Resources/Aquaculture

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

Abstract

   The Wildlife & Invasive Species Education™ (WISE) In-person Conference addresses the pressing need to educate stakeholders about managing native wildlife and controlling invasive species. This biennial, multi-day event provides an immersive learning experience designed to improve knowledge and inspire action. Developed in collaboration with UF/IFAS Extension Specialists, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and other state agencies, the program combines two days of intensive instruction. The collaborative approach ensures evidence-based, regionally relevant content that is adaptable for other states. Pre- and post-assessments (n=166) conducted for each session demonstrate substantial knowledge gains: Wildlife Diseases (57%), Invasive Plants (18%), Florida's Turtles (43%), Soil is More Than Dirt (51%), Fishy Explorations (64%), Bulimulus sporadicus (42%), Basic Bird Photography (50%), Florida's Imperiled Bird Species (10%), Feral Hogs (77%), Apple Snails – Native and Invasive (54%), and Fish on the Loose (45%). These results reflect the effectiveness of integrating state agency experts with Extension faculty to deliver impactful educational content. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are offered to increase the professional development value for participants. The WISE Conference is marketed through workbooks, flyers, newsletters, and social media, effectively reaching homeowners, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, and government agencies such as APHIS and CISMA. The interactive format, expert-led sessions, and hands-on field trips enhance participant engagement and promote long-term knowledge retention. The WISE Conference model is highly adaptable and can be replicated in other states seeking to address invasive species management and wildlife education. By partnering with local Extension offices, specialists, and relevant state agencies, this program can be tailored to meet regional needs, fostering improved environmental stewardship. The WISE Conference effectively demonstrates the power of collaboration and immersive education in increasing knowledge and inspiring proactive management of wildlife and invasive species. This model serves as a valuable template for Extension professionals looking to enhance public awareness and environmental impact in their respective regions.

Authors: James Davis, Brittany Scharf, Brooke Moffis, Samantha Wisely, Steve Johnson, Jeff Hill, Shirley Baker, Hance Ellington, Bill Lester, Stephen Enloe
  1. James Davis County Extension Director, UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County , Florida, 33513
  2. Brittany Scharf CED and Sea Grant Agent III, UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County, Florida, 34604
  3. Brooke Moffis FFL/Commercial Horticulture Agent III, UF/IFAS Extension Lake County , Florida, 32778
  4. Samantha Wisely Director and Professor, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation , Florida, 32611
  5. Steve Johnson Professor, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Florida, 32611
  6. Jeff Hill Professor, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Florida, 33570
  7. Shirley Baker Professor and Associate Director, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Florida, 32653
  8. Hance Ellington Range Wildlife Specialist, Range Cattle REC , Florida, 33865
  9. Bill Lester Residential Horticulture Agent III, UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County, Florida, 34604
  10. Stephen Enloe Professor, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, Florida, 32652