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 OFWOOD BADGE

LEADER TRAINING?

Conservation

Environmental Education

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVATION IN THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

The Scout Law The Outdoor Code

9th 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 ProjectsHabitat and Wildlife

WATERWAYS – Improve habitat, streams, and shorelines

WATERWAYS – Stabilize threatened stream banks

Conservation ProjectsHabitat and Wildlife

PLANTING – Re-vegetate damaged meadows and hillsides

PLANTING – Plant trees, shrubs, and grasses to control erosion or attract wildlife

Conservation ProjectsHabitat 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 ProjectsHabitat 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 AwardWebelos Activity Pins

Boy Scout Merit Badges William T. Hornaday Award “Leave No Trace”Award

Journey to Excellence

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 – Antelopes• Communicate plan to Patrol Leaders

S7-602-11-1 Conservation Project Overview

• John HankinsHOV Scout Reservation Superintendent

• Tim StreagleHOV 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

S7-602-11-1 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 -