Conservation Project Planning Carol Pilgrim Kathy Aardema-Zunk 1

Conservation …What Does It Mean? 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 and environmental education have always been deeply woven into the philosophy and programs of the Boy Scouts of America Conservation 3

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVATION IN THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA 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.” Scout Slogan: Do a Good Turn Daily Can apply to good deeds done for the sake of the environment 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 BE CONSERVATION-MINDED. I will learn how to practice good conservation of soil, water, forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife, and energy. I will urge others to do the same. Today that also means Recycle papers, glass, and metal used in your home and community. Do all you can to minimize waste…GO GREEN!!! 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 The Scout Law The Outdoor Code 9th Point…. A Scout is Thrifty 4

How to involve Scouts in conservation efforts? Scouts at all levels whether that be TIGER CUBS, CUB SCOUTS, BOY SCOUTS or VENTURE CREWS they are:: 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. 5

A Partnership is Needed! LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCY SCOUTING UNIT A PARTNERSHIP WITH LAND MGMT AGENCY IS NEEDED US National Park Services VA Dept of Game and Inland Fisheries VA Dept of Forestry VA Dept of Conservation and Recreation City and County Parks and Recreation VA Assoc. of Soil and Water Conservation Chesapeake Bay Foundation Many Rewards of a Partnership Between an Agency and Scout Unit LAND MGMT AGENCY Agency personnel share their knowledge and skills with the Scouts. Agency can be a source of conservation adventures, education, and service to the environment. SCOUTING UNIT Involve scouts in conservation work Scouts become active caretakers of natural resources, not just hikers and campers using the land. Inspire scouts to become lifelong stewards of the land TOGETHER THEIR EFFORTS RESULT IN POSITIVE CONSERVATION EFFORTS FOR ALL TO BENEFIT 6

Types of Conservation Projects Habitat and Wildlife Trails and Campsites Monitoring Structures Educational Historical Conservation Projects come under six principle areas that involve : Habitat and Wildlife Trails and Campsites Monitoring Structures Educational Projects Historical Projects Lets take a brief look at each of these different areas 7

Conservation Projects Habitat and Wildlife WATERWAYS – Improve habitat, streams, and shorelines WATERWAYS – Stabilize threatened stream banks 8

Conservation Projects Habitat and Wildlife PLANTING – Re-vegetate damaged meadows and hillsides PLANTING – Plant trees, shrubs, and grasses to control erosion or attract wildlife 9

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 10

Conservation Projects Habitat and Wildlife WILDLIFE – Habitat improvement with nest boxes, feeders, or restocking fish 11

Conservation Projects Trails and Campsites TRAILS – Maintain or create trails CAMPSITES – Increase access. Remove unwanted sites Last summer ArrowCorps5 successfully completed over 5,000 service hours to our national parks.  Among the work undertaken was the start of over 20 miles of new trails in the George Washington/Jefferson National Forest that will serve to connect other major trail systems in the park. On the weekend of April 9-11, 2010, our own Order of The Arrow Nawakwa Lodge will host our portion of the GW/Jeff Trail Crew Service Project and complete about 1 or 2 miles of new connection trails. 12

Conservation Projects Monitoring Rainfall and Water Quality Populations - Great Back-Yard Bird Count 13

Conservation Projects Structures Buildings, Bridges, Fences Nature trail signs 14

Conservation Projects Educational Develop and maintain outdoor classroom sites Teach skills and develop informational brochures 15

Conservation Projects Historical Clean and repair statues, gravestones, and other historical site Assist archaeologists in protecting and studying archaeological sites 16

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 SEE SHEET NEXT PAGE 17

HOW TO DO A CONSERVATION PROJECT 1. PROJECT OVERVIEW Plan & Evaluate – “Conservation Project Planning Checklist” (Wood Badge Handbook page 60) 2. ACTIVITY LIST Tools & Materials Transportation Communications Safety Plan -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. Evaluate – Visit the site ahead of time and utilize the CONSERVATION PROJECT PLANNING CHECKLIST in your Manuals. Items to determined: What is the Task and Why is it Important? How many Scouters will be needed? Clothing requirements? What is the Time Frame Needed What Tools and Materials will be needed and who will supply them? What Leadership Skills are needed to oversee the work? And by whom Transportation to and from? Safety Factors to consider and Emergency Information Secured. Document - Record hours worked, what was done and Take Photos: Valuable record of Scouting’s environmental activities Recognize - Patches, awards, merit badge requirements, rank advancement Agency Personnel potential awards Adopt A Site 18

HOW TO DO A CONSERVATION PROJECT 3. ACTIVITY ASSIGNMENTS Document 4. PUTTING THE PLAN INTO ACTION As planned! As a Team! With feedback and support! Plan -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. Evaluate – Visit the site ahead of time and utilize the CONSERVATION PROJECT PLANNING CHECKLIST in your Manuals. Items to determined: What is the Task and Why is it Important? How many Scouters will be needed? Clothing requirements? What is the Time Frame Needed What Tools and Materials will be needed and who will supply them? What Leadership Skills are needed to oversee the work? And by whom Transportation to and from? Safety Factors to consider and Emergency Information Secured. Document - Record hours worked, what was done and Take Photos: Valuable record of Scouting’s environmental activities Recognize - Patches, awards, merit badge requirements, rank advancement Agency Personnel potential awards Adopt A Site 19

HOW TO DO A CONSERVATION PROJECT 5. PROJECT CLOSEOUT Recognize World Conservation Award Webelos Activity Pins Boy Scout Merit Badges William T. Hornaday Award “Leave No Trace” Award Journey to Excellence Plan -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. Evaluate – Visit the site ahead of time and utilize the CONSERVATION PROJECT PLANNING CHECKLIST in your Manuals. Items to determined: What is the Task and Why is it Important? How many Scouters will be needed? Clothing requirements? What is the Time Frame Needed What Tools and Materials will be needed and who will supply them? What Leadership Skills are needed to oversee the work? And by whom Transportation to and from? Safety Factors to consider and Emergency Information Secured. Document - Record hours worked, what was done and Take Photos: Valuable record of Scouting’s environmental activities Recognize - Patches, awards, merit badge requirements, rank advancement Agency Personnel potential awards Adopt A Site 20

S7-602-13-1 DAY 5 CONSERVATION PROJECT Handbook Resources: Conservation Project Planning Checklist What makes a good Conservation Project Sample Conservation Projects Day 5 Service Patrol – Antelopes Communicate plan to Patrol Leaders 21

"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 - 22

S7-602-13 Conservation Project Overview John Hankins HOV Scout Reservation Superintendent

S7-602-13 Conservation Project Overview Task – Why – How Many Wood Badge Participants Needed –Time Frame – Items Needed: Project Leadership – Travel to Work Area – Safety Factors –