Cookie Jars and Crafts for Red Wolves

Chattanooga’s Reflection Riding is home to four of the most endangered canids in the world, and many school age students and their teachers are taking notice.

Since 1996, Reflection Riding has been part of the federal SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) American Red Wolf program. Education is a key component to this program which includes getting Red Wolf education in the schools. Battle Academy’s second grade in Chattanooga has taken on this endeavor with howling success. The teachers have developed some fantastic Red Wolf curriculum that incorporates a visit from Tish Gailmard, Engagement and Learning Specialist at Reflection Riding and a member of the Red Wolf steering committee and immediate past Education Lead for the SAFE American Red Wolf program. The enthusiasm of the students is palpable as they watch Red Wolf films geared towards school age children. They were equally excited to see Red Wolf biofacts, including a pelt, skull, radio collar, and footprint castings. Tish explains the importance of Red Wolves to the health of our environment. As an apex predator and ecosystem engineer, Red Wolves give life and take life creating a healthy balance of flora and fauna.

The semester-long Red Wolf studies culminate in a Red Wolf gala. In preparation for this event, students create art, poetry, music, bracelets, earrings, leather bookmarks and many other items that are sold at the gala. These items are created across multiple disciplines, incorporating Red Wolf studies across all subjects. The students also have a Red Wolf t-shirt design contest and the winner’s design is printed on t-shirts for the students. One afternoon, the school’s gym is set up for parents, staff, and community members to enjoy Red Wolf music performances and skits and purchase handmade Red Wolf goods. This year, Battle Academy second grade class (in their student-designed Red Wolf t-shirts) presented Reflection Riding with a check for $1,511 at a field trip to visit the Red Wolves on Reflection Riding’s campus!

This is the second year that Battle Academy has taught this curriculum. They are developing the next generation of Red Wolf supporters! Teacher Aleasha Henry states, “we used to study all of the endangered animals of Tennessee, but felt it was less impactful and meaningful to the students. So we decided to narrow it down to one animal. This helped with the empathy and understanding of the issue at hand. It wasn't hard for us to choose the Red Wolf. Our Red Wolf project showed that even our youngest learners can create meaningful change. By combining science, research, and real-world action, our students not only deepened their understanding, but also raised awareness and support—proving that education can truly make a difference.”

At another local school, the Chattanooga School for Arts and Sciences’ teachers have been teaching Red Wolf curriculum for 12 years. They also utilize many disciplines to teach about Red Wolves for a semester full of Red Wolf learning. Their semester culminates in a sweet fundraiser involving an assembly line of cookie ingredients that are placed in mason jars and then sold to family, friends, and the community. The cookie jars always sell out! Students learn about supply and demand, profit margin, working together, home economics, packaging and marketing. Their semester-long Red Wolf studies culminate in a field trip to see Reflection Riding’s Red Wolves and present a check from their hard work. Each year, the funds exceed $1,000 and often a good bit more.

Teacher Wendy Gatewood states, “Twelve years ago, the third-grade team was inspired by the Red Wolf’s story after a visit to Reflection Riding. We decided we wanted to help raise money for the care of the Red Wolves. We hoped to have an impact on the students regarding the importance of the conservation of these beautiful animals. We want them to know that they have the ability to make a difference in the world. From this idea, we began our “Protecting the Pack Red Wolf Service Project.” We are so proud to have raised approximately $10,000 by selling cookie jars. Our project showcase includes research about the Red Wolves, the economics of making and selling the cookie jars, real world math, writing and recording a PSA, poetry, and an art project. We are so proud of the work and excitement that this project brings out in our third graders.”

Chattanooga schools have some very robust Red Wolf education that is enhanced by creative and dedicated teachers who broaden students’ thoughts and understanding. With Reflection Riding’s resources available to local schools, studies leave the classroom and become very real for students. Imagine studying Red Wolves all semester, having a Red Wolf educator come into your classroom with bio-facts and unique lessons, then finalizing the excitement with a field trip to see live Red Wolves! The children’s faces are full of amazement, excitement, and pure joy when they see a Red Wolf. They are eager to disseminate their knowledge, learn more from Tish, and ask loads of excellent questions.

These learning experiences become more than just love and concern for Red Wolves. One parent told Tish that after her son learned about Red Wolves and their positive impact on our environment, he became a conservationist and told his mom he didn’t want to shop at a certain store anymore because it carries fast fashion which is harmful for the environment. These are second and third grade students!

Our future will be in the hands of these students, and helping them be conservation minded now can only lead to good. And to think it all started with Red Wolves.