"Native Species, Nature's Choice"
Aliens Among Us
Alien space invaders have landed. They're living among us—millions
of them—in urban, suburban, rural, and natural areas. Who
are these alien intruders? They aren't extraterrestrial beings
that have space-hopped from distant galaxies. They're animals
and plants from other parts of the planet that are taking our
lands and waters by storm, forcing native species out of their
habitats, and wreaking havoc on ecosystems, biodiversity, and
the web of life. They're exotic imports, like the green crab,
zebra mussel, roof rat, and leafy spurge. Many of them cause
devastating environmental and economic harm.
 The
theme of this year's National Wildlife Week (NWW) educational
package is the impacts of alien species on Canada's wildlife
and environment and the need to protect native animals and
plants. NWW occurs each year in the week surrounding April
10th, the birthday of Jack Miner, one of the founders of Canada's
conservation movement. Proclaimed in 1947 by an act of Parliament,
NWW is a time to celebrate our natural heritage and play a
part in its conservation.
Native friends and invasive foes are also addressed in detail
in our new educational unit to commemorate NWW. Educating
youth is an important way to raise awareness about this issue,
curb the spread of alien species, and restore native species
to their natural place. The lessons in the unit captivate
students with hands-on, inquiry-based experience and provide
an avenue to learn basic skills and deepen knowledge of academic
subjects, including life science, geography, history, and
language arts..
Click here
to download the kit entitled Native Species, Nature's
Choice (Learning About Wildlife, Unit 21) (pdf
format - 5.13 MB)
For more information about invasive species in Canada, check
out our new Invasive
Species in Canada database.
Have students use CWF’s Invasive
Species in Canada database to solve the interactive
story maze Battle With the Alien Space Invaders, found
here.
If you would like to order a copy of the National Wildlife
Week poster shown above, contact
CWF.
Looking for Funding?
Are you undertaking a wildlife habitat project on your school
ground or in your community? Is your class or school one of
thousands that took part in CWF's Habitat 2000 program? Well,
rest assured that your efforts continue to be supported as
we evolve toward the next generation of habitat education
programs.
The CWF provides funding for habitat projects undertaken by
classes, schools, and community groups throughout Canada.
Your class is eligible for up to $200 and school-wide projects
may apply for $500. Apply
for funds.
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Project
WILD