Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP)

deer in woodsThe Maine Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) is designed to teach Maine’s youth (ages 8-19) about the fundamentals of wildlife management.

Maine WHEP is modeled after and participates in the national WHEP program, which is a 4-H and FFA youth natural resource program dedicated to teaching wildlife and fisheries habitat management to junior and senior level (ages 8-19) youth in the United States.

Today’s students are our future land stewards. Students in WHEP have a greater understanding of the value of land and how it can be managed to benefit many wildlife and fish species. When they join the work force, former WHEP participants can apply their WHEP skills and knowledge to create better habitat for wildlife and fish, no matter what professional field they have chosen.

Studying a science-based manual, participants learn

  • wildlife terms and concepts
  • about wildlife habitat
  • how to judge the quality of wildlife habitat
  • about wildlife habitat management practices
  • about wildlife damage management

Additional benefits come from the development of leadership capabilities, meeting other youth interested in wildlife, and interacting with wildlife professionals from across the state.

The Maine WHEP Facebook Page provides educational resources such as tips for preparing for contests, links to coaching and training aids, photos, videos, and more. We plan to hold periodic workshops, mock contests, and will also be hosting the 2018 National WHEP Contest.

Bald eagle in pine treeLearn more about…

Maine State Committee

Sally Farrell
4-H Youth Development Professional
University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Robert Cordes
Special Projects Coordinator
Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Susan Jennings
Executive Director
Resource Development Officer
Maine 4-H Foundation

Chuck Hulsey
Regional Wildlife Biologist
Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Maine WHEP logo_greenChrissy Allen
Development & Outreach Director
Blue Hill Heritage Trust

Amanda Shearin
Habitat Outreach Coordinator
Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Dana Valleau
Environmental Specialist
TRC Solutions

Sarah Spencer
Regional Wildlife Biologist
Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Patty Cormier
District Forester
Maine Forest Service

Lisa Kane
Natural Resources Educator
Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

Joe Wiley
Private Consulting Biologist

Danielle D’Auria
Wildlife Biologist
Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife