WILD About Fall Phenology: Exploring Nature’s Seasonal Signals
Follow the clues of fall! Explore the signs of autumn’s changes through hands-on outdoor learning and ready-to-use Project WILD activities.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
Autumn is one of the best times of year to observe nature in action. From changing leaves and migrating birds to wildlife and plants preparing for winter, the season offers countless opportunities to ask questions, investigate patterns, and use evidence to explain changes in the natural world.
Join us at Bluff Creek Pavilion in Oklahoma City for WILD About Fall Phenology, a hands-on professional development experience that blends outdoor exploration, wildlife education, and science learning. Using the award-winning Project WILD curriculum, educators will investigate how seasonal changes influence plants, animals, and ecosystems while exploring strategies for engaging students in authentic, place-based science experiences.
Participants will experience engaging Project WILD lessons while exploring how phenology—the study of recurring seasonal events—can help students investigate patterns, cause-and-effect relationships, adaptation, interdependence, and changes within ecosystems. Educators will discover ways to use outdoor observations and investigations to support Oklahoma Academic Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Special Field Experience
A highlight of the workshop will be a guided fall phenology walk through Bluff Creek Park. Participants will observe seasonal changes firsthand, make observations, look for patterns, and consider how evidence gathered outdoors can be used to develop explanations about wildlife, plants, and ecosystem interactions.
What to Expect
- Interactive Outdoor Lessons: Experience Project WILD activities that bring fall ecology, wildlife behavior, and adaptation to life.
- Field Investigations: Explore Bluff Creek’s trails and habitats while practicing observation, questioning, and evidence-based investigation.
- NGSS Connections: Explore how phenology and wildlife activities support science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts.
- Curriculum Guide: Receive your own Project WILD activity guide filled with lessons adaptable across grade levels and aligned to Oklahoma Academic Standards.
- Outdoor Teaching Strategies: Discover practical ways to use schoolyards, parks, and other outdoor spaces to engage students in authentic science learning.
Workshop Details
- Date/Time: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
- Location: Bluff Creek Pavilion, Oklahoma City
- Cost: $10 (includes Project WILD K–12 Terrestrial Guide and workshop supplies)
- Meals: Bring a lunch; breakfast and snacks will be provided.
We are committed to making professional learning accessible to all educators. Scholarships are available for participants for whom the registration fee creates a financial burden. Please contact the state coordinators for scholarship information.
Why Attend?
This workshop is designed to help educators:
- Integrate outdoor investigations and seasonal phenomena into K-8 learning.
- Engage students in asking questions, identifying patterns, and using evidence to explain observations.
- Connect wildlife behavior, plant life cycles, adaptation, and ecosystem interactions to science standards.
- Use local environments as authentic contexts for investigating scientific phenomena.
- Leave with ready-to-use Project WILD activities, curriculum resources, and ideas for exploring nature throughout the year.
Celebrate the season, sharpen your observation skills, and discover how fall can become a powerful phenomenon for science learning. Go WILD About Fall Phenology!
QUESTIONS? CONTACT US:
Holly Wilson, Certified Facilitator, Oklahoma City
holly.wilson24@gmail.com | (405) 436-6064
Jack Hilgert, Oklahoma Project WET and Project WILD State Coordinator
jack.hilgert@conservation.ok.gov | (405) 613-3835
ABOUT THE CURRICULUM:
Project WILD’s mission is to provide wildlife-based conservation and environmental education that fosters responsible actions toward wildlife and related natural resources. All curriculum materials are backed by sound educational practices and theory, and represent the work of many professionals within the fields of education and natural resource management from across the country.