Wild Spartans Series

Join 4-H staff for the "Wild Spartans" series for a look into life working with fisheries and wildlife! Follow along as we climb through bogs, peer into bear dens, mist net songbirds, snorkel for fish, or perhaps even tag deer. Meet researchers, learn about their field work, and the education and career path they've followed to get there.

LOCATION: Online Meeting will be held using the free app called Zoom.

Register for Wild Spartans here

Each 60 minute session will feature 1-2 guest researchers. Youth will be encouraged to ask questions to learn more through a live Q&A with scientists.

Upcoming Program Dates and Topics:

Monthly Sessions will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. ET October through March.

October 8, 2024 with Brendan Talwar
- This month’s 4-H Wild Spartans Series will dive into the depths of the ocean to explore the world of sharks and marine science! Join us for “From the Desert to the Deep-Sea: Supporting Wildlife and People Through Science, Education, and Outreach.” You will meet Brendan Talwar, Postdoctoral Scholar at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego & The Nature Conservancy.
November 12, 2024 with Andrea Martinson
- This month’s 4-H Wild Spartans Series will fly into the refuges that many migrating birds depend on for migration. Join us for “Behind the Scenes in the Life of a Park Ranger.” You will meet Andrea Martinson, Park Ranger for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.
December 10, 2024 with Jennifer Hansen & Courtney Kubitskey
- This month's 4-H Wild Spartans Series will spark excitement in the world of wildland fire. You will meet Jennifer Hansen & Courtney Kubitskey, who are on the forestry fire crew with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
January 14, 2025 with Elliot Nelson
- This month's 4-H Wild Spartans will delve into the freshwaters and skies that surround us. Join us to meet Elliot Nelson with Michigan SeaGrant.
February 11, 2025 with Jason Smith
- This month's 4-H Wild Spartans Series will plunge into the world of Great Lakes fisheries. Join us to meet Jason Smith, fisheries biologist with the Bay Mills Indian Community.
March 11, 2025- coming soon!

Interested in being a Wild Spartans guest speaker? Fill out our interest form here!

All event recordings are now available below!

Attended or viewed recordings? Please fill out our brief feedback form.

To learn more, contact:
Veronica Bolhuis, Stacie Gath, Anne Kretschmann, or Dr. Alexa Warwick.

Share past sessions in classrooms, home school group, or your 4-H club! Links below include resources for continued learning in science, research, and career preparation. Meet these scientists and more in the videos below.

View previous 4-H Wild Spartan sessions

Wild Spartans: Nurturing & Inspiring a Love of the Northwoods, with Licia Johnson; March 2024

Published on March 12, 2024

You will meet Naturalist and Education Director for the North Lakeland Discovery Center, Licia Johnson, learn about her career path and work inspiring others. You'll also meet a few special guests!
Wild Spartans: Seeing The Forest For The Wildlife, With Jeremiah Heise; February 2024

Published on February 13, 2024

You will meet Jeremiah Heise, Ecosystem Program Manager with the U.S. Forest Service, learn about his field work, and the education and career path he followed to get there.
Wild Spartans: Anishinaabe Perspectives in Natural Resources Management: Anishinaabe Giikendaasowin and Western Science , with Brad Silet; January 2024

Published on January 9, 2024

You will meet Brad Silet, biologist with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, learn about his field work, and the education and career path he followed to get there.