What is WHEP?
The WHEP (National Wildlife Habitat Education Program) is a hands-on environmental education program. WHEP also provides participants an opportunity to test their wildlife knowledge in a friendly competition, as each state supporting WHEP conducts an annual contest where teams of 3-4 similarly aged individuals gather. The winning senior (14-19 years of age) WHEP team from each state earns the right to attend the annual National WHEP Contest, typically held the last full week of July. The national contest moves to a different state each year.
What do Participants Study?
- Learn wildlife terms and concept
- Learn about wildlife habitat
- Learn how to judge the quality of wildlife habitat
- Learn about wildlife habitat management practices
- Learn about wildlife damage management
Click here to find out more about WHEP at the National level!
Save the Dates
WHEP Quiz Bowl: A virtual quiz bowl for youth will be held on March 30th. This jeopardy-style event is open to everyone, no registration required! Feel free to join here.
WHEP State Competition will be held on May 22nd at the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge. More details to come!
Interested in becoming a WHEP Coach?
Coaches Workshop Information
- You can review the recorded workshop here
- WHEP Volunteer Coach Position Description
WHEP Coach Resources
- WHEP Manual
- Developing a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan
- Wildlife ID and Equipment Flash Cards
- Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program: Preparing for the Wildlife Challenge
- Wildlife Habitat Education Program: Wildlife Identification Guide
- Outdoor Classroom Development
- Teaching and Learning Wildlife Management Practices
- Ecoregions (no-species) BLANK
- Judges’ Scoring Sheet – Activity III-A Written Wildlife Management Plan
- Innovative Science Teaching Methods
- Activities and Games for Reviewing Content
- Resource Links
- Iowa Ecosystems Species List
- WHEP Lessons
Recruitment and Marketing Materials
- WHEP Promo Graphic - Call for Volunteers
- WHEP Promo Graphic – Deer
- WHEP Promo Graphic – Turkey
- WHEP “Find-Out” PowerPoint