Cape Fear Wildlife Foundation

The Cape Fear Wildlife Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in the state of North Carolina. We are dependent on tax-deductible donations and the help of numerous volunteers to meet the related needs of the participants.

The mission of the Cape Fear Wildlife Foundation is to cultivate stewardship of the great outdoors through education awareness, programs and excursions of hunting and fishing that will connect men, women and children to the importance of conservation so as to become investors in our natural resources to create a quality place to be enjoyed by future generations.

Wild Child!

A project of the non-profit Cape Fear Wildlife Foundation is delivered annually on the 3rd Friday of March in Wilmington to cultivate youth participation in and stewardship of the great outdoors.

Geared primarily to students in the 4th through 12th grade (kids beginning to develop outdoor pursuits and consider their career objectives), this full-day interdisciplinary educational experience will touch on skill development in the sciences, math, environmental education, healthful living, and technology, delivered in a interactive format could not be more FUN!

Students will:

• Witness raptors in flight as these ultimate birds of prey demonstrate both adaptation and predatory roles
• Meet an amazing variety of fascinating and uniquely beautiful herptiles that share our state
• Learn to “hunt” with their eyes closed, exploring the sights and sounds of the great outdoors; and
• Participate in a variety of outdoor skills stations offering hands-on experience in duck identification and wetland habitats, archery, saltwater fly fishing, water pollution, the aquatic web, forestry practices, and native North Carolina wildlife and fisheries

 How Do We Measure Success?

First and foremost by the smiling faces we see each year!

• Nearly 3,500 children have attended Wild Child annual events between 2011 and 2016
• 15 public schools and dozens of home schools have attended; most return annually
• Here’s what participants had to say about this exciting program:
  • My students were exposed to wildlife in a way that they never have been before. They were inspired by what they saw! – JT Rocky Point
  • My students were profoundly affected by this event. They gained an appreciation for snakes; all of the booths were very informative; and all of my students enjoyed each site we visited. They are still talking about their experience! – LH Rocky Point
  • Wild Child! is the best thing since sliced bread! The active learning was wonderful and exciting. We were as happy as pigs at a trough! – ES Burgaw

Mark your Calendar & Spread the Word! – March 17-19, 2017

• Wild Child! is held annually on the third Friday in March of each year in Wilmington
• Wild Child! Group Admission on Friday is only $5.00 per child, and includes both Wild Child! special events and admission to the Cape Fear Wildlife Expo that day
• Students and their families are encouraged return over the weekend to further explore the Cape Fear Wildlife Expo
• Public school bus parking is available at no charge
• For additional details or to reserve support for your group, call 910 795-0292

How can you help?

Wild Child! depends on volunteers and tax deductable contributions from community-minded individuals and organizations like yourself. Donations to this 501(c)3 nonprofit Cape Fear Wildlife Foundation should be directed to311 Judges Road, Suite 11-A, Wilmington, NC 28405; or you can call us at 910 795-0292

History

In 2009 the Cape Fear Wildlife Expo was founded by WC Lanier. There were exhibitors that displayed their wares that included fishing, hunting, archery, taxidermy, clothing, wildlife art and much more. As the event grew, this organization collaborated with the NC/SC Sportsman Magazine to include seminars on fishing and hunting. Quality Deer Management Association began a scavenger hunt for children to learn more about animals and natural resources.

In 2011 classes were collaborated with Quality Deer Management Association. This program was named “Kids Gone Wild” STEM event. Recruitment was offered to public schools primarily through science coordinators and recruitment to home schools promoted its value to STEM related education and careers. Every year the recruitment goal is exceeded and this speaks volumes. It takes many volunteers to provide this event to our school children.

In March 2012, Articles of Incorporation for a Nonprofit Corporation were filed with the Office of the Secretary of State for North Carolina. This will allow the Cape Fear Wildlife Foundation to continue to grow these educational tracts for our youth.

The Cape Fear Wildlife Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization incorporated in the state of North Carolina. The Cape Fear Wildlife Foundation is dependent on tax-deductible donations and the help of numerous volunteers to meet the related needs of the participants.