Conservation Project Planning Carol Pilgrim Conservation …What Does It Mean? conservation • • The act of preserving, guarding, or protecting; the keeping (of a thing) in a safe or entire state; preservation. A wise use of natural resources. Source: Wiktionary.org How do you make conservation part of your unit program? WHY IS CONSERVATION A PART OF WOOD BADGE LEADER TRAINING? Environmental Education Conservation THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVATION IN THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA The Scout Law 9th Point…. A Scout is Thrifty The Outdoor Code How to involve Scouts in conservation efforts? A Partnership is Needed! LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCY •US National Park Service •VA Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries •VA Dept. of Forestry •VA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation •City / County Parks and Recreation •VA Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts •Chesapeake Bay Foundation SCOUTING UNIT Types of Conservation Projects • • • • • • Habitat and Wildlife Trails and Campsites Monitoring Structures Educational Historical Conservation Projects Habitat and Wildlife WATERWAYS – Improve habitat, streams, and shorelines WATERWAYS – Stabilize threatened stream banks Conservation Projects Habitat and Wildlife PLANTING – Re-vegetate damaged meadows and hillsides PLANTING – Plant trees, shrubs, and grasses to control erosion or attract wildlife Conservation Projects Habitat and Wildlife URBAN ENVIRONMENT – Establish and care for urban green spaces and neighborhood parks URBAN ENVIRONMENT – Create environmental impact awareness of your urban storm water drainage systems. Distribute information on how to properly dispose of toxic waste Conservation Projects Habitat and Wildlife WILDLIFE – Habitat improvement with nest boxes, feeders, or restocking fish Conservation Projects Trails and Campsites TRAILS – Maintain or create trails CAMPSITES – Increase access. Remove unwanted sites Conservation Projects Monitoring Rainfall and Water Quality Populations - Great Back-Yard Bird Count Conservation Projects Structures Buildings, Bridges, Fences Nature trail signs Conservation Projects Educational Develop and maintain outdoor classroom sites Teach skills and develop informational brochures Conservation Projects Historical Clean and repair statues, gravestones, and other historical site Assist archaeologists in protecting and studying archaeological sites WHAT MAKES A GOOD CONSERVATION PROJECT? • • • • • • • Involve Scouts in All Aspects of a Project Make Projects Fun Choose Reasonable First Projects Consider Skill Levels Set Reasonable Goals Make A Difference Adopt-a-site HOW TO DO A CONSERVATION PROJECT • Plan & Evaluate – “Conservation Project Planning Checklist” World Conservation Award Webelos Activity Pins • Document • Recognize Journey to Excellence Boy Scout Merit Badges William T. Hornaday Award “Leave No Trace” Award S7-602-11-1 DAY 5 CONSERVATION PROJECT Handbook Resources: • Conservation Project Planning Checklist • What makes a good Conservation Project • Sample Conservation Projects Day 5 Service Patrol • Communicate plan to Patrol Leaders S7-602-11-1 Conservation Project Overview • John Hankins HOV Scout Reservation Superintendent • Ranger Tim Streagle HOV Scout Reservation Ranger S7-602-11-1 Conservation Project Overview •Task – Clear most of the woody growth between the new bridge and the waterfront area. Fill in holes on the island, continue to level any stumps. Continue removal of all small woody growth around the edge. •Why – To open up the view and to allow more access for the youth in canoes to access •How Many Wood Badge Participants Needed – All, especially the Antelope Patrol! •Time Frame – Day 5: Sunday 04/10/11, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm •Items Needed: –Tools: Bow Saws, Loppers/ Pruners, Rope, small Chain Saws –Clothing: Long Pants / Jeans, Long Sleeves, and Work Gloves –Other: First Aid Kit, Communication Devices, Water •Project Leadership – FQM Staff, Scout Leaders and Ranger Hankins •Travel to Work Area – Walking •Safety Factors – Spread out and communicate when we are dropping any large trees "The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value." -Theodore Roosevelt -