Members of the Tama County Turtles including (l-r) Wyatt Silhanek, Josey Wacha, Rachael Murty, and Levi Murty at the State Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) competition in Ames last month. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

AMES – The Tama County Turtles took first place in the State Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) senior team division, including Josey Wacha, Levi Murty, Rachael Murty, and Wyatt Silhanek.

The State WHEP Competition was held on April 12 in Ames. The Iowa 4-H WHEP competition provides youth the opportunity to test their wildlife knowledge in a friendly competition, working in teams of three to four. This year’s competition focused on tallgrass prairie and urban and wetland ecoregions.

In the morning, youth worked in teams to develop and write wildlife management plans at McFarland Park in Ames. The youth also spent time on campus at Iowa State University’s Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, where they tested their individual wildlife animal species identification skills in the portion of the event called the wildlife challenge.

In the afternoon, the youth and their coaches learned about microbes from ISU Extension and Outreach crop science specialist Maya Hayslett. They were able to examine soil and water microbes under a microscope. ISU Extension and Outreach education specialist Lynne Campbell shared the importance of conservation efforts to support the monarch butterfly’s population and how all Iowans can help monarchs by planting milkweed and other flowering plants.

Wildlife extension specialist Adam Janke said, “The enthusiasm and dedication these young participants have for wildlife is truly inspiring. Their knowledge spans everything from habitat management techniques to identifying animal calls. It’s clear they’ve put in a lot of effort, showcasing the hard work they’ve invested in preparing for this contest.”

Haley Princehouse, ISU Extension and Outreach Tama County office and programming assistant and Tama Turtles WHEP coach, said, “Tama County just wrapped up its second year of offering the Wildlife Habitat Education Program, and it’s quickly become a standout 4-H opportunity. Youth involved not only gain hands-on experience with wildlife and habitat management but also explore career paths and build a strong work ethic along the way. The team puts in the effort — but we make sure there’s plenty of fun mixed in, too!”

The team prepared for the state contest by meeting three times a month since December. The youth look forward to using the knowledge learned throughout this experience in future contests.

“It’s been exciting to see how this program has sparked real interest in wildlife-related careers,” said Princehouse. “What is even more meaningful has been watching four youth from different parts of Tama County — who may never have crossed paths otherwise — come together over a shared passion for wildlife. Through this experience, they’ve built not just knowledge but genuine friendships.”

In the WHEP junior team division, the Clay County Trailblazers, with Clara Nelson, Gavin Jones and Andrew Baker, took home top honors. The Franklin Foxes Red Team placed second with Brylee Kline, Tucker Ubben, Cayden Blau and Bryar Van Hove from Franklin County. The Franklin Foxes Green Team placed third, with Connor Gulick, Morgan Stock and Ashton Stock from Franklin County.

In the individual wildlife challenge junior division, Bryar Van Hove from Franklin County placed first, Clara Nelson from Clay County placed second and Brylee Kline from Franklin County placed third. For the senior division, Josey Wacha from Tama County placed first, David Roush from Clay County placed second and Wyatt Silhanek from Tama County placed third.

Iowa 4-H Youth Development and the ISU Department of Natural Resource Ecology Management sponsored the event.

For more information, contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office.