The University of Iowa’s WILD (Wildlife Instruction and Leadership Development) department has provided meaningful, hands-on environmental education and a variety of experiential learning opportunities since 1959.
And they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
Housed in the College of Education, UI WILD, which consists of Iowa Wildlife Camps, the Iowa Raptor Project, and School of the Wild programs, is committed to inspiring faculty, staff, students, and the community through a wide variety of outdoor educational opportunities.
Karen Allen, a UI alumna who was hired as director of the department in early 2025, just eclipsed the half-year mark in her new leadership role. She recently took some time to reflect on her first six months on the job and express what she envisions for the future of these storied outreach programs.
Q: How would you describe your first six months as director of UI WILD?
A: My first six months as UI WILD director have been exhilarating! I am so proud to be a part of this talented staff in the College of Education and the University of Iowa. Every decision is based on how we can improve the experiences in the outdoors for our children, the community, and all residents of Iowa.
The children bring such a smile to my face every day. The excitement, giggles and genuine love for nature is evident as they catch their first fish, find a new bug during the mud bugs activity, spy a frog or turtle, learn about the history of our prairies in Iowa, go kayaking with a friend, learn about the beauty of a turkey vulture … the list goes on.
Additionally, I have met the most kind and knowledgeable partners in our schools with ICCSD and beyond, the DNR, the parks and rec communities and others. There is a commitment in this state and from the University of Iowa to foster collaborative partnerships that inspire and continually educate our student and adult community members to see the joy, relevance, and opportunities of innovation within the wild.
Q: Were there any unexpected challenges or surprises along the way?
A: The biggest challenge to date is working to find a future home for our UI WILD programming. The Iowa Raptor Project, School of the Wild, and Wildlife Camps impact almost every household in the Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and surrounding areas. Every child in these school districts is afforded the amazing opportunity to participate in our programming and benefits from experiential learning in the outdoors. Our dedicated staff will continue to offer high-quality programming for all our stakeholders. We are deeply appreciative of our community partners who continue to reach out and support us as we transition to our next space.
Q: Why are UI WILD’s programs as important today as they were when they were created?
A: I believe our programs are even more important today. They provide meaningful learning experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
As our land continues to evolve and surprise us, we are presented with this amazing opportunity to be curious about a new bug, plant, or bird that we may encounter. We can compare and contrast what we see today to what we know about the history of our land and the animals we have studied or read about. We can think critically about how our actions may impact our parks, water, land, and wildlife. These newfound passions may lead us to more sustainable ways of life, volunteering, or even learning about bird banding. There is so much inspiration and joy in the outdoors. Being able to learn without the distractions of a mobile device and being immersed in the quiet allows you to detect motion in the ground beneath you and in the sky above you.
UI WILD programs offer children, educators, and our community members a unique experience into the natural world. It gives every individual the opportunity to be curious and learn at any age … and it opens new pathways in the fields of environmental sciences, conservation, engineering, power, energy, medicine, and more!
Q: What has been your favorite part about the job?
A: My favorite part of this job is working with the staff, the school districts, and the children! Every day is a new adventure.
Q: What have you found to be some of the biggest strengths of UI WILD’s programs?
A: The strength of our programs lies within our staff. We have committed, hardworking, and extremely talented staff members who are dedicated to developing leading-edge curriculum, best practice strategies, professional development for educators, research in the field, and more.
UI WILD staff are also very passionate about the children who participate in our programs. Every interaction I’ve witnessed has been caring and kind—emphasizing that every single person matters. By creatively encouraging this younger audience to be curious, our staff reinforce the concept that learning is fun!
Q: What is your mission for UI WILD moving forward?
A: UI WILD is working to build consistent, innovative, and relevant curricular experiences and foster collaborative partnerships that inspire our student and adult community members to respect, enjoy, and commit to the environment and its resources. We value wonder, integrity, land ethic and devotion as we move forward to make this happen. Our greatest hope is that five years from now, by following our mission and values, we will have impacted and programmed for every county in the state, creating a greater awareness of outdoor education.
Q: How does UI WILD impact college students?
A: We are able to offer a unique opportunity for College of Education students to teach in the outdoors. Future teachers can begin to develop best practice questioning strategies that help their students discover and think critically about new topics they find exciting. Our university students get to step outside the traditional classroom and experience teaching in a new way that is modeled for them. It helps them grow as educators while also connecting with kids and the community in another meaningful way.
To make a gift to UI WILD, please visit:
givetoiowa.org/education26