The College of Education’s UI WILD (Wildlife Instruction and Leadership Development) provides a variety of experiential learning opportunities for our students that takes learning outside of the classroom and into the Wild!

The Iowa Raptor Project offers opportunities to work with live birds of prey through educational and research activities. Iowa Wildlife Camps presents employment and training opportunities. School of the Wild provides practicum experiences for elementary education majors, as well as student teaching opportunities.

Ibsen poses with Aldo, a barred owl

Iowa Raptor Project

Volunteer with live birds of prey in both educational and research settings with UI WILD’s original conservation education program at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area! 

Young campers enjoying the outdoors

Iowa Wildlife Camps

Employment and training opportunities abound during our winter, spring, and summer break camps, equipping students with the skills to better connect children and youth to the Wild! 

Students along the river listening to an instructor

School of the Wild

Through elementary science methods classes, students participate in two practicum experiences to help get their feet wet in outdoor education, sometimes literally! (And if they really like it, students may be able to do part of their student teaching in the Wild with us!) 

News

Karen Allen and others at the Iowa Raptor Project's 40th anniversary

Into the Wild

UI WILD Director Karen Allen reflects on her first six months on the job and shares her vision for the future of these popular outdoor programs that provide enriching teaching and learning experiences in nature.

David Conrads holds a bird that is spreading its wings.

In the news: Iowa Raptor Project continues outreach and conservation efforts

Staff from UI WILD’s Iowa Raptor Project discuss the unit's future conservation efforts and transformative educational experiences.

Tree lined path at Macbride Nature Recreation Area

School of the Wild, Wildlife Camps, and Iowa Raptor Project will continue

All College of Education UI WILD (Wildlife Instruction and Leadership Development) Programs – School of the Wild, Iowa Wildlife Camps, and the Iowa Raptor Project – will continue, even though the University of Iowa will not renew its lease for the Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) when it expires on July 1, 2029. All camps and programs will continue at their current locations through August 2026 and in new locations after that time. Click here to read more

Contact Us

Contact UI WILD at COE-WILD@uiowa.edu or 319-467-3287