DAY 3 Conservation Project Planning Sr917

HOW DO YOU MAKE CONSERVATION A REGULAR PART OF YOUR UNIT PROGRAM?

WHY IS CONSERVATION A PART OF WOOD BADGE LEADER TRAINING?

Conservation and environmental education have always been deeply woven into the philosophy and programs of the Boy Scouts of America

EXAMPLES IN SCOUT LITERATURE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVATION A Scout is Thrifty (9 th point Scout Law) Do a Good Turn Daily (Scout Slogan) Outdoor Code Leave No Trace Principles

EXAMPLES IN SCOUT LITERATURE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVATION Scout Law: A Scout is Thrifty: “A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for the future. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.”

EXAMPLES IN SCOUT LITERATURE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVATION Scout Slogan: Do a Good Turn Daily Can apply to good deeds done for the sake of the environment

EXAMPLES IN SCOUT LITERATURE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVATION Outdoor Code: As an American, I will do my best to: Be clean in my outdoor manners Be careful with fire Be considerate in the outdoors, and Be conservation-minded

EXAMPLES IN SCOUT LITERATURE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVATION Leave No Trace Principles Principles of stewardship promoted in every outdoor activity: Plan ahead and prepare Camp and travel on durable surfaces Pack it in; Pack it out Leave what you find Minimize campfire use Respect wildlife Respect others

How to involve Scouts in conservation efforts? Scouts at all levels are usually: Eager to help care for the environment Want to be involved in projects that benefit air, land and water Enthusiastic about doing their part to care for natural resources.

How to involve Scouts in conservation efforts? Land management agencies: Encourage Scouts to take active roles in caring for forests, parks, waterways, and other public areas Involve scouts in conservation work Inspire scouts to become lifelong stewards of the land

Rewards of a Partnership Between an Agency and Scout Unit Scouts become active caretakers of natural resources, not just hikers and campers using the land. Agency personnel share their knowledge and skills with the Scouts. Agency can be a source of conservation adventures, education, and service to the environment.

Habitat & Wildlife Projects Waterways – Improve Habitat, Shorelines

Habitat & Wildlife Projects Waterways – Stabilize Stream Banks

Habitat Improvement & Wildlife Planting – Erosion Control

Habitat Improvement & Wildlife Planting – Provide Food, Shelter, Shade

Habitat Improvement & Wildlife Urban Projects – Parks, Greenbelts

Habitat Improvement & Wildlife Urban Projects – Storm Water Management

Habitat Improvement & Wildlife Urban Projects – Toxic Waste Disposal

Habitat Improvement & Wildlife Wildlife - Nest Boxes, Feeders, Restocking Fish

Trails and Campsites Increase Access, Remove Unwanted Sites

Trails and Campsites Maintain or Create Trails

Monitoring Projects Rainfall, Water Quality

Monitoring Projects Populations - Great Back-Yard Bird Count

Structures Buildings, Bridges, Fences

Structures Nature Trail Signs

Educational Projects Outdoor Classrooms

Educational Projects Teach Skills, Create Brochures

Historical Projects Monuments, Heritage, Archaeology

PLANNING A CONSERVATION PROJECT Thorough planning is needed to shape projects that are satisfying to the Scouts and of value to the environment, matched to the skill levels of all involved.

PLANNING A CONSERVATION PROJECT Visit the site before Scouts arrive EVALUATE: Tools needed Materials Transportation Clothing Emergency information Safety

PLANNING A CONSERVATION PROJECT DOCUMENTATION Record hours worked, what was done Take photos Valuable record of Scouting’s environmental activities RECOGNITION Patches, awards, merit badge requirements, rank advancement Agency Personnel potential awards

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

SR 917 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

Conservation Project Planning Checklist What is the task to be done? Why is it important? How many Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, or Venturers can take part in the work? What is the time frame for Completing the project?

Conservation Project Planning Checklist What tools and materials will be needed, if any, and who will provide them ? What leadership skills are required to oversee the work? Who will provide project leadership? How will you reach the work area? What safety factors are involved and how will they be addressed?

Project overview Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation Superintendent John Hankins