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Young Arkansans will soon have the chance to step into the boots of a wildlife biologist as the 2026 Wonders of Waterfowl Workshop offers an exciting day of hands-on activities and field-based learning.
The workshop will be held Saturday, Feb. 21 at Cypress Bayou Club in Saratoga, Arkansas. The cost is $20 per participant, which includes lunch and a special workshop gift.
Registration is currently open to junior and senior Arkansas 4-H members through ZSuites or through your local county extension office. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended. For event planning purposes, registration must be completed by Jan. 16. Walk-up registrations will not be accepted.
Participants will explore the science behind waterfowl management and research, including a potential opportunity to assist a wildlife biologist with live duck banding if conditions allow. Youth will rotate through interactive learning stations covering waterfowl identification, wing identification, duck habitat and food sources, mallard migration, GIS technology and duck banding techniques.
“This workshop is an excellent opportunity for 4-H members from across the state to come and learn about waterfowl,” said Tiffany Osborne, workshop coordinator and UAM wildlife instructor. “Youth learn about each waterfowl species, how to identify waterfowl by the wing, explore duck habitat to learn more about food sources and the conservation and tracking efforts of the state’s leading waterfowl researchers.”
To ensure a high-quality educational experience, participation is limited to youth ages 9–19. Toward the end of the program, family members will be invited to join participants on site to observe the release of ducks, if available. County agents, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture staff, UAM staff and students will serve as event chaperones.
