National Wildlife Week (March 18th through the 24th) is designed around teaching and connecting kids to the awesome wonders of wildlife. The 2013 theme for National Wildlife Week is BRANCHING OUT FOR WILDLIFE (trees, bushes and their importance to wildlife and people).

IN MINNESOTA    The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources protects and manages our wildlife.  Recently, the DNR cancelled moose hunting season due to the unusual reduction of the population in Minnesota. To learn more about efforts to understand, manage, and preserve these magnificent animals see the YouTube report or visit the DNR Moose Research webpage.

IN ANOKA COUNTY    The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources oversees nearly twenty thousand acres (31 square miles) of land conserved within seven Wildlife Management Areas (WMA):

• Bearman WMA (Nowthen, 651-296-3450)
• Bethel WMA (Bethel, 651-296-3450)
• Carl E. Bonnell WMA (St. Francis, 651-296-3450)
• Robert and Marilyn Burman WMA (Oak Grove, 651-296-3450)
• Carlos Avery WMA (Area Office in Columbus, 651-296-5290)
• Gordie Mikkelson WMA (Linwood, 651-296-3450)
• Lamprey Pass WMA (Columbus, 651-296-3450)

For more information contact the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or email info.dnr@state.mn.us.

Wildlife Science Center (5463 Broadway Ave NE, Columbus, MN 55025) provides important services including: research by professionals answering questions about wildlife management and endangered species; hands-on training for wildlife students; getting children excited about science education; and participating in national and international efforts to conserve our natural resources.

WSC provides two guided educational tours every Saturday at 11am and 1pm ($6 for adults, $4 for children 4-12, and free for 3 and under).  Additional education programs include private programs/group tours; preschool programs; scout programs (WSC staff are certified badge counselors); wolf howl bonfires; and overnight programs.  For more information contact the WSC at  651-464-3993 (or email wscinfo@wildlifesciencecenter.org).

The Anoka Conservation District encourages property owners to “branch out for wildlife” through their tree and shrub sale.  Click on the on-line ordering and payment webpage to see the variety of plants available or call ACD at (763) 434-2030.