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? Conservation Environmental Education

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVATION IN THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA The Scout Law The Outdoor Code 9 th Point…. A Scout is Thrifty

How to involve Scouts in conservation efforts?

A Partnership is Needed! LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCY SCOUTING UNIT 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

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

TRAILS – Maintain or create trails CAMPSITES – Increase access. Remove unwanted sites Conservation Projects Trails and Campsites

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 1. PROJECT OVERVIEW Plan & Evaluate – “Conservation Project Planning Checklist” (Wood Badge Handbook page 60) 2. ACTIVITY LIST Tools & Materials Transportation Communications Safety

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!

HOW TO DO A CONSERVATION PROJECT 5. PROJECT CLOSEOUT Recognize World Conservation Award Webelos Activity Pins Boy Scout Merit BadgesWilliam T. Hornaday Award “Leave No Trace” Award Journey to Excellence

S 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

S Conservation Project Overview John Hankins HOV Scout Reservation Superintendent Tim Streagle HOV Scout Reservation Ranger

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 S Conservation Project Overview

"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 -