Education Expo Brings Outdoors Heritage to Thousands of Students

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The 2023 Midwestern Outdoor Heritage Education Expo, presented by the Outdoor Heritage Education Center, brought outdoor education to thousands of Badger State students.

“The Wisconsin State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is proud to continue to sponsor the MOHEE event,” said Brian Dalsing, NWTF Wisconsin volunteer. “The MOHEE event is not only fun for students, but it is an opportunity to introduce kids from all over the state to the outdoors who otherwise might not have the opportunity to experience these activities firsthand. These kids are our future wildlife biologists, conservationists and hunters, and this event inspires them to consider occupations and activities they may have not known about.”

The free event brought 4,131 students and 679 teachers from 79 schools to receive hands-on learning about all things outdoors, including fishing practice, turkey calling, tree stand practice, archery, conservation, hunting dog education, forestry, wildlife ecology and much more. 

“We appreciate the valuable contributions of NWTF chapters here plus Wisconsin DNR wildlife, fisheries, enforcement and R3 program leadership and staff,” said OHEC Executive Director Ruth Ann Lee. They and other partners continue to be the critical key to long-term success as MOHEE fulfills the critical first steps in the Outdoor Recreation Adoption Model by creating awareness, generating interest and offering trial opportunities. MOHEE does a great job of connecting people to nature and moving students, teachers and chaperones along the continuum that leads to generating new hunters.”

The event this year took place in two locations, the Havenwood State Forest in Milwaukee and the MacKenzie Center, Poynette. NWTF volunteers were present at both locations to highlight information about wild turkeys, the joys of turkey hunting and the importance of conservation.

“Our Wisconsin NWTF volunteers at both the Milwaukee and Poynette MOHEE events saw first-hand how the vast majority of students were excited to discover turkey facts and explore shooting sports opportunities that they don’t get anywhere else,” said NWTF lifetime member Mark LaBarbera, founder of OHEC and its MOHEE events. “For the first time, they learned about the positive role of hunters in conservation.”

In addition to NWTF volunteers, wildlife agency professionals, trained safety instructors and other volunteer conservation mentors were on site to provide an enriching and engaging experience for students, connecting them to Wisconsin’s natural resources and outdoor heritage.

Founded in 1998, the Outdoor Heritage Education Center group continues to fulfill its mission:increase the public’s understanding, appreciation and sense of stewardship for natural resources, professional resource management and America’s outdoor heritage, including related activities like fishing, hunting and other shooting sports.

About the National Wild Turkey Federation

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale.

2023 is the NWTF’s 50th anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50th anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and NWTF’s people; and raise $5 million to build toward a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us reach these lofty goals.