Introduction to National Wildlife Week

National Wildlife Federation wants American kids to take a walk on the wild side this March—and stay there, for their health and well-being! National Wildlife Week’s official website (2010 NWW downloads and web pages will not be available until Feb 1) offers resources for families and educators to make spending time outdoors educational and entertaining, such as local plant and animal watch lists, ideas to help protect wildlife habitats, and green living tips.

History and Overview of National Wildlife Week

Started in 1938, schools and individuals throughout the country celebrate National Wildlife Week as a time to honor wildlife and spend time outdoors, connecting with nature and one another. The event is held annually during the third week in March. This year’s theme is Be Out There at Home, at School and at Play. National Wildlife Week has traditionally been an educator-focused event, providing in-class activities to teach about the threats to wildlife and the environment. However, with the development of National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There movement, National Wildlife Week has become a key event for to help connect children and families with nature, in addition to wildlife education. As a result, the target audience, activity offerings and other elements of National Wildlife Week have changed to be more child and family-focused.

Be Out There Movement

Be Out There is a national movement to connect American families to the outdoors. Leveraging National Wildlife Federation’s 70-year tradition of education, conservation, and advocacy, Be Out There helps to get families and communities outside. By providing leadership, support, and practical tools, National Wildlife Federation creates a generation of happier, healthier children with love and responsibility for the environment. Many of National Wildlife Federation’s events and programs align with the Be Out There campaign, including National Wildlife Week, the Great American Backyard Campout, Wildlife Watch, Schoolyard Habitats, and more. Learn more about Be Out There.

How Can Affiliates Participate in National Wildlife Week?

1. Host a special event or activity as part of National Wildlife Week

For example: Invite your members and local community to visit your site and participate in a special National Wildlife Week event. Events and activities may include nature hikes, a stream clean up, a neighborhood clean up, kids fishing day, creating a Community or Schoolyard Certified Wildlife Habitat, and more.

2. Promote National Wildlife Week to your members, local schools, and community

For example: Ask others to visit the National Wildlife Week website and celebrate during March 15-21. Mention National Wildlife Week in your print or electronic newsletter, send an email to your members telling them about the week-long celebration, or send the official National Wildlife Week press release to your local newspaper.

3. Policy or action-related activity

For example: Encourage your Governor to officially declare the third week in March as National Wildlife Week. Use the Sample Request for Declaration of Proclamation Letter to get started. Download the sample request letter from the list below.