Today's youth are the conservationists of the future, so it's important to encourage the next generation's interest in the outdoors and equip educators with outdoor knowledge they can pass on to students.

To do this, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will hold a free conservation curriculum workshop during its 32nd annual Convention and Sport Show Feb. 22-24 in Atlanta.

The "Let's Talk Turkey" workshop is open to all educators and is set for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at the Georgia World Congress Center.

"Youth of today need ample opportunities to see animals in their natural habitat, learn about conservation and reconnect with the outdoors, so we need to find new ways to teach them," said Christine Rolka, NWTF education supervisor. "This workshop shows teachers how to bring the outdoors to their students and teach them the importance of natural resource management."

The workshop is designed for all educators, including those who teach grades K-12 or provide interpretive programs at parks, nature centers and museums. Attendants will receive $75 worth of educational materials. Those materials include:

** The NWTF's Wild About Turkey Education Box, which has a video, multimedia CD/ROM, posters, reference materials and keepsakes for students.

** A Project WILD K-12 Activity Guide.

** Admission to the Exhibit Hall.

** Fun, hands-on and curriculum-based activities for teaching wildlife conservation.

"We've worked hard to make the seminar educational and entertaining," Rolka said. "The information we provide hopefully will help inform teachers, which will in turn inspire a new generation of conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts."

The seminar is limited to 25 participants. Anyone wishing to attend must register before Feb. 11. To register, call (803) 637-3106, or e-mail Dena Holmes at dholmes@nwtf.net.