Wildlife Viewing Grants Program

A informational sign on wading birds in Atlanta.

The Wildlife Conservation Section of the DNR Wildlife Resources Division administers a small-grants program for wildlife viewing projects in the state. Funding is provided by Georgia’s Nongame Wildlife Conservation Fund.

These grants focus on developing and improving wildlife-viewing opportunities that increase public awareness and appreciation of nongame wildlife, rare native plant species and natural habitats. The program also emphasizes species and habitats considered conservation priorities in Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan.

Wildlife viewing is big in Georgia. More than 2.4 million residents and visitors took part in 2011. From feeding birds to visiting public lands for wildlife photography, viewers spent an estimated $1.8 billion.

Nationwide, the number of people involved in wildlife viewing surged from 86 million in 2016 to 148 million in 2022 – more than half of the population 16 years and older. Related spending topped an estimated $250 billion, according to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey.

Learn more about wildlife viewing, in general and in Georgia (including survey insights into the state’s wildlife viewers).