Get Wild

The wildlife program is an integral part of the Southern Region’s Strategic Framework with goals to: (1) Restore ecological systems to their natural resilience and level of sustainability; (2) Protect human, natural, and physical resources from degradation and harm; and (3) Respond to social needs in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Wildlife biologists work closely with botanists on non-native invasive species issues and pollinator programs; foresters and fire ecologists on the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) and Stewardship program; hydrologists, soil scientists, and fisheries biologists on the Watershed Condition Framework; recreation specialists on the More Kids in the Woods program; and planners on Forest Plans and project appeals. 

Collaborating with partners to enhance and restore wildlife habitats is a major part of the program. The National Wild Turkey Federation, The Nature Conservancy, Wildlife Forever, State wildlife agencies, and others have contributed funds and staffing to accomplish important wildlife projects.

 

Success Stories and Special Recognition's

R8: Krusac recognized for long-term support of elementary school garden

Threatened and Endangered Species Biologist Dennis Krusac was recently recognized by the Ford Elementary School in Northern Cobb County, Georgia for 18 years of participation in the school’s Children’s Garden program. The Captain Planet Foundation uses the school’s garden program as a model for all Captain Planet Learning gardens. One feature of the Children’s Garden is the Julia Kepper Memorial Garden, established in memory of a third grader who was killed by a drunk driver. The garden features “Plant one for the hungry” – a program that donates part of the produce to a local homeless shelter. The arboretum was a bare slope of Georgia red clay 18 years ago.