Join 4-H staff for the "Wild Spartans" series for a look into life working with fisheries and wildlife! Follow along as we climb through bogs, peer into bear dens, mist net songbirds, snorkel for fish, or perhaps even tag deer. Meet researchers, learn about their field work, and the education and career path they've followed to get there.

LOCATION: Online Meeting will be held using the free app called Zoom.

Register for Wild Spartans here.

Each 60 minute session will feature 1-2 guest researchers. Youth will be encouraged to ask questions to learn more through a live Q&A with scientists.

Upcoming Program Dates and Topics:

Monthly Sessions will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. ET through March. 

• • Oct. 10, 2023 with Dr. D. Bruce Means 
    • Join us to explore biological hotspots on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at 6:30pm EST for “Snakes and Frogs: Fieldwork in the Tropics.” You will meet Dr. D. Bruce Means, biologist with the Coastal Plains Institute and Land Conservancy & Adjunct Professor at Florida State University. He was recently featured in a National Geographic magazine cover story and documentary ‘The Last Tepui’. You’ll learn about his field work, and the education and career path he followed to get there.
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  • Nov. 14, 2023 with Zach Brinks
    • Join us on Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 at 6:30pm EST for “Froggin' around - careers in the exotic animal industry.” You will meet Zach Brinks, Vice President of Live Operations at Josh’s Frogs. You’ll learn about his work, and the education and career path he followed to get there. Youth will be encouraged to ask questions to learn more through a live Q&A. This free series is open to 4-H and non-4-H youth ages 12-19 years. 
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  • Dec. 12, 2023 with Jamie Vaughan
    • Join us on Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 at 6:30pm EST for “Casting for a Career in Coldwater Conservation.” You will meet the Great Lakes Engagement Coordinator for Trout Unlimited, Jamie Vaughan, learn about her field work, and the education and career path she followed to get there. Youth will be encouraged to ask questions to learn more through a live Q&A. This free series is open to 4-H and non-4-H youth ages 12-19 years. 
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  • Jan. 9, 2024 with Brad Silet

    • Join us on Tuesday, January 9th, 2023 at 6:30pm EST for “Anishinaabe Perspectives in Natural Resources Management: Anishinaabe giikendaasowin and Western Science.” You will meet Brad Silet, biologist with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, learn about his field work, and the education and career path he followed to get there. Youth will be encouraged to ask questions to learn more through a live Q&A. This free series is open to 4-H and non-4-H youth ages 12-19 years. 

  • Feb. 13, 2024 Coming Soon
  • March 12, 2024 Coming Soon

Interested in being a Wild Spartans guest speaker? Fill out our interest form here (link)!

All event recordings are now available below!

Attended or viewed recordings? Please fill out our brief feedback form.

To learn more, contact: 
Veronica Bolhuis, Anne Kretschmann, Seth Martin or Dr. Alexa Warwick.