Adams Wins NWTF National Educator of the Year Award

“I feel so fortunate that NWTF recognizes the value of teaching others about turkeys,” Adams said. “When I first started learning about wild turkeys, it hit me that there’s not really a more fun animal to use as a tool to teach conservation education. We can cover lifecycles, adaptations, habitat, wild and domestic, and native and nonnative. I appreciate that NWTF sees the value in Idaho Fish and Game’s online class for teachers and feel honored to receive this award.”

Adams accepted the award at the NWTF’s 50^th anniversary celebration during its 47^rd annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

Wild about Turkeys is a part of Idaho’s project WILD program, an award-winning, wildlife-focused conservation education program designed to help educators incorporate wildlife and conservation into their classrooms. 

After attending a National Project Wild Conference, Adams attended a Wild about Turkeys session sponsored by the NWTF; it opened her eyes to the enriching nature of wild turkeys as an educational tool. In 2008, IDGF’s Wild about Turkeys Workshop was born.

Over the years, Adams and IDFG have put on six Wild about Turkeys workshops, which has equated to 150 teachers who share the enriching information with their students annually. The estimate of students who have received wild turkey lessons is well into the thousands.

The workshop plan includes lessons that teach math, writing, geography, wild and domesticated animals, components of habitat, adaptations and hunting. Shooting sports were also part of the workshop. All participants were able to shoot a shotgun and try their hands at archery.

In 2020 when the pandemic hit, Adams helped put Wild about Turkeys in a virtual format, which received resounding feedback from participants. Adams’ desire to empower teachers to share information about conservation and these unique birds in their classrooms has never been stronger

“Lori’s enthusiasm to spread the word about conservation and wild turkeys is not only commendable, but it has empowered teachers across Idaho to share the importance of the NWTF mission and how it interrelates to many aspects of our everyday life,” NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “We are proud to honor Lori as the 2023 Educator of the Year Award recipient.”

About the National Wild Turkey Federation

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale. 2023 is the NWTF's 50^th anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization's mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50-year celebration, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the NWTF's people; and raise $5 million to build toward a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us reach these lofty goals.