Seabirds on the North Shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence were suffering major

population declines between 1955-1978. A comprehensive management plan was

designed in 1980 that included a strong educational component for the communities in

the area. Both children and adults were the focus of a multifaceted education strategy that

included print media, face-to-face lessons, interpretative tours and volunteer programs. A

follow up survey in 1998 documented improvement in knowledge, attitudes and

behavior, increased local involvement in seabird protection, and increased populations of

seabirds (Blanchard, 1995).

 The protection of the Karner Blue Butterfly in Concord, New Hampshire is another

example of a successful community outreach program (Morse, 1996). This animal

survives in a remnant of pine barren habitat near the Concord airport; an area proposed

for industrial development. The Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nature Conservancy

began an informational campaign to protect the butterfly, focusing on the uniqueness of

the species. Outreach efforts included television, print media, radio interviews and field

trips to see the butterfly. An agreement was made to set aside 28 acres of habitat for the

butterfly, and most area businesses are now cooperating with The Nature Conservancy

and the Fish and Wildlife Service in the effort to protect the butterfly.

 Outreach programs by state and non-profit groups have been successful when they

are multi-faceted, involving entire communities, especially when the people have a

vested interest in the animals' survival. The Kirtland's Warbler is an endangered species

that nests in the Upper and Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The species had a total count

of 334 individuals in 1987. At the time of this study (1995), the count was at 1,530

individuals. An outreach plan by the Fish And Wildlife Service was designed to increase

the public's understanding of the bird. The plan detailed various goals, target audiences,