Wildlife Outreach Program

Rhody Critter Kits

Rhody Critter Kits

students closely examining the ground in an outdoor area

Join us for outdoor learning events throughout the year!

group of people in a classroom setting listening to a speaker

Public discussion on wildife in urban areas at RISD.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife began our Wildlife Outreach Program in 2017. The program provides Rhode Islanders with information and unique opportunities to learn about our state's wildlife resources and conservation efforts. 

All events and resources are provided to the public for free thanks to the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration and State Wildlife Grants Programs.

Rhody Critter Kits

We offer free wildlife curriculum kits and learning resources for K-5 educators, school librarians, and homeschool co-ops through our Rhody Critter Kits Program. Each kit contains lesson plans, activities, videos, hands-on learning materials, and other resources curated by our Wildlife Outreach staff, with special emphasis on Rhode Island’s wildlife species, conservation work, and management practices.

Click here to learn more.

 

Wild Rhode Island Explorer

We also publish a quarterly magazine for kids, Wild Rhode Island Explorer. If you would like to sign up your school or a young nature lover in your life for a free mail subscription, email mary.gannon@dem.ri.gov. This publication is written for readers in grades 4-7, but all ages (including grown-ups) are welcome to subscribe! 

Click here to read new and past issues online Each issue is also available in Spanish!

 

Our staff organizes seasonal, family-friendly events across the state, which are posted on our website and social media channels. Popular programs include Come Birding With Me, Summer Bat Night, and Sky Dance Night. Click on the "Upcoming Events" tab below to learn more!

Want more wildlife in your life? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Volunteer!

The RIDEM Fish and Wildlife Volunteer Program offers a number of unique and exciting volunteer opportunities that engage the local community in projects that help conserve and protect Rhode Island’s natural resources. Volunteer projects range from counting migrating river herring during the spring, to banding waterfowl with state biologists, to lending a hand with management area clean-ups! There are many different ways you can be a part of our team and contribute towards a positive future for the fish and wildlife in our state.

Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter to stay up to date on DEM Division of Fish & Wildlife’s news, events and volunteer opportunities. For specific volunteer questions, email dem.dfwvolunteer@dem.ri.gov.

Subscribe here