National Conservation Stewardship Programs

A Review of the Literature Part One

by

Dr. Jim Parker, Chair

Bob Garst, Donna Haley, Greg Harmon, William O’Brochta

Blue Ridge Mountains Council Conservation Sub-Committee

Introduction

The earthly environment belongs to all living things. Humans can enjoy and be caretakers or stewards of its beauty and majesty by participating in national, state, and/or community level stewardship programs. By being a conservation steward, individuals can become more aware and understand the guiding principles of conservation as wise and intelligent managers of natural resources. Through personal, first-hand experiences, conservation stewards can learn the most lasting lesson—“learn by doing in The Conservation Experience.”

Types of Conservation Stewardship Programs

1. Federal Agencies • U.S. Department of Agriculture

--Natural Resources Conservation Service --Forest Service --Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

• U.S. Department of the Interior --Fish and Wildlife Service --Bureau of Land Management --National Park Service --Geological Survey --Bureau of Indian Affairs --Bureau of Reclamation

• U.S. Department of Commerce --National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

2. National Park Service • Park Centers • Ranger Interpretation Guides • Youth Conservation Corps • Park Store literature

3. State Park and Department of Forestry Systems

• Park Centers • Ranger Interpretation Guides • Park Store literature

4. Community System

• Conservation promoted in various ways by municipalities

5. State Extension Programs • 4H Programs and Summer Camps

6. Boy Scout of America

• National Level --Conservation Committee Guidebook (2011) --Camping and Outdoor Program Committee (COPC)—Conservation Committee --Conservation Good Turn Program and Leave No Trace --William T. Hornaday Conservation Awards --Other Scouting Conservation Awards --High Adventure Bases—Florida Sea Base, Northern Tier, Philmont Scout Ranch, and the Summit National Scout Reserve

§ Ranger Department § Conservation Department—Trail Crew Trek Experiences and

Roving Outdoor Conservation School • Council Level

--Conservation Committee and Plan (BRMC, 2010-15) --Conservation Awards --Scout Reservation Camps

• Basic Summer Camp Program—Nature/Ecology Centers—merit badges and conservation awards

• Basic Summer Camp Program plus Special Projects—Ecology/Conservation (ECON) Programs based on geographical locations—specific merit badges, hiking trails, and conservation projects (Seneca Waterways Reservation)

• Other Special Programs § National Wild Turkey Federation Conservation Challenge

Badge § Hunter Safety Training Course § BSA World Conservation Award § William T. Hornaday Conservation Awards § Special Titled Conservation Activities—

“Woodsman”/”Dan Beard” (basic course); “Ernest T. Seton” (advanced course); “Eagle’s Nest” (special weekend with computer lab); “John Borough’s” Nature Award (higher level conservation troop project); “Eager Beaver” (basic trail development and maintenance); and BRMC Trailmaster” (basic and advanced trail development and maintenance with special activities).

§ Virginia Master Naturalist Training Program

References

Bloom, B. et al. (2000). Taxonomy of educational objectives: The classification of educational goals. New York: David McKay Company.

_____. (2014). Boy scout requirements. Irving, TX: Boy Scouts of America.

_____. (2011). Camping and outdoor program committee (COPC) guide. Irving, TX: Boy Scouts of America.

_____. (2014). Conservation good turn. Milford, CT: Connecticut Yankee Council.

_____. (2013). Conservation program awards. Denver, CO: Denver Area Council Conservation.

Gottshalk, J. (2009). The boy scout handbook (12th ed.). Irving, TX: Boy Scouts of America.

Guy, C. D. (2011). Council conservation committee guidebook. Irving TX: Boy Scouts of America.

Harris, B. (2012). Boy scout NOVA awards guidebook. Irving, TX: Boys Scouts of America

Jansen, J. (2013). Scout conservationist: A presentation for the national conservation committee. Butler, PA: Moraine Trails Council.

_____. (2014). Massawepie ecology and conservation (ECON). Seneca, NY: Seneca Waterways Council.

Neiderhiser, S. (2014). Camp leaders’ guide: Brownsea Island. Roanoke, VA: Blue Ridge Mountains Council.

Neiderhiser, S. (2014). There’s a camp for that! Roanoke, VA: Blue Ridge Mountains Council.

_____. (2010). Northern new jersey conservation program—multiple specific sites. Trenton, NJ: Northern New Jersey Council.

O’Brochta, W. (2014). William T. Hornaday awards guide. Roanoke, VA: Blue Ridge Mountains Council Conservation Committee.

_____. (2014). Outdoor adventures. Irving, TX: Boy Scouts of America.

Parker, J. L. F. (2013). Conservation: Being a steward of our earthly environment. A presentation for the national conservation committee. Hillsville, VA: Blue Ridge Mountains Council Conservation Committee.

_____. (2014). Philmont scout ranch programs. Cimarron, NM: Philmont Scout Ranch.

_____. (2010). Sam Houston conservation plan. Houston, TX: Sam Houston Area Council Conservation Committee.

_____. (2014). Seven ranges ecology and conservation. Canton, OH: Buckeye Council.

Shiner, W. (2012). Conservation awards progress sheet. Roanoke, VA: Blue Ridge Mountains Conservation Committee.

_____. (2014). Summer camp programs: Dan Beard, Ernest T. Seton, and star track. Cedar Knolls, NJ: Patriots Path Council.

_____. (2014). Today’s hunter: National wildlife turkey federation conservation challenge. Dallas, TX: Kalkomey Enterprises.

_____. (2015). Virginia Master Naturalist Training Program. Charlottesville, VA.

Weeks, S. (2011-2015). National council strategic plan. Irving, TX: Boy Scouts of America.

_____. (2014). Woodsman program and national wild turkey federation conservation challenge: Camp Tolochee, GA: Okefenokee Area Council.

_____. (2014). Youth conservation corps. Washington, DC: National Park Service—U.S. Department of the Interior.

Conservation, Environment

Nature, Education, and Achievement

Program Proposal for

“The Conservation Experience” Part Two

by

Dr. Jim Parker, Chair

Bob Garst, Donna Haley, Greg Harmon, William O’Brochta

Blue Ridge Mountains Council Conservation Sub-Committee

“Conservation means development as much as it does protection. I recognize the right and duty of this generation to develop and use the natural resources of our land, but I do not recognize the right to waste them…Moreover, I believe that the natural resources must be used for the benefit of all our people…The great central task [is to] leave this land even a better land for our descendants [as well] train them to inhabit the land and pass it on. Conservation is a great moral issue, for it involves the patriotic duty of insuring the safety and continuance of the nation.” (Theodore Roosevelt, speech at Osawatomie, Kansas, August 31. 1910)

Introduction:

Since its beginnings, conservation has been a significant part of the Boy Scouts of America program. Founders such as William D. Boyce, National Scout Commissioner; Daniel C. Beard, Pioneer in Outdoor Skills; Ernest T. Sexton, Chief Scout; Theodore Roosevelt, U.S. President and Chief Scout Citizen; Gifford Pinchot, Chief B.S.A. Woodsman; and William T. Hornaday, Pioneer in Conservation; were avid supporters of conservation, environment, wildlife, and education. In today’s society, conservation in Scouting is to heighten the vital importance of being a “steward of our earth’s environment.” The potential for teaching and doing good works in conservation is enormous. This brings immense meaning to the Scout

Oath to “Do My Duty to God and My Country,” as well as, “Do a Good Turn Daily” as mentioned in the Scout Slogan. Conservation is often linked to the sixth point of the Scout Law--“A Scout is Kind”--to animals and nature.

Being a steward of our earthly environment should not just be talking about and doing conservation projects, but becoming aware of natural history, nature study, use of natural resources, recycling, and career opportunities. More importantly, Scouts, as future citizens, should accept responsibility in “walking the walk” in doing conservation in the urban and rural areas. Scouts of different ages can make a difference by thinking, acting, and living as conservation stewards.

The Blue Ridge Mountains Council Conservation (BRMC) Committee has acted on the term “conservation” through conservation stewardship in the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation (BRSR) of 16,500 acres and throughout southwest and south central Virginia. Within the reservation, three camps are utilized by Scouts and the Friends of Scouting at Camps Powhatan, Ottari, and Claytor Lake Aquatic Center. The committee published “The Conservation Plan” in 2010-2015 to focus on three integral components: (1) Ecosystems Management; (2) Conservation Programs; and (3) A Guide to the Natural and Cultural Resources of the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation and their use.

Proposed Conservation Program—“The Conservation Experience”:

As a Scout learns to swim and camp, our conservation committee has created a very positive and unique educational program that conveys conservation techniques and research skills. The educational program is entitled “The Conservation Experience”—connecting Scouts, resource professionals and universities. The mission is to provide Scouts with the basic skills of a naturalist and expose them to educational and career opportunities in the natural sciences. Camp Ottari’s Foxfire and Nature Centers as well as the BRSR nature trails provide ideal locations to educate and inspire Scouts to pursue careers in conservation and the natural sciences. This program will be presented by Scouters of the committee and professionals in various fields of study at Radford University, Virginia Tech, and conservation organizations.

The Conservation Experience Marketing Program:

To attract attention of the Scouts, Scouters, and visitors who come to the BRSR, the conservation committee has created a logo character—“Sammy the Squirrel”--to deliver a consistent message and purpose for conservation. The following strategies can be used to market a conservation logo: (1) Include a character on all printed materials to promote conservation. (2) Construct a large wood cut out of the character and place it in a central area in the three BRSR camps. (3) Install an outdoor conservation nature information board to post timely messages about conservation—trail maintenance, Leave No Trace Awareness, and calendar of events. (4) Incorporate the logo character in conservation awards and sale of scout shop items on bolo ties, patches, hats, etc. The key point of promotion is for Scouts, Scouters,

and visitors to identify an attractive logo character—“Sammy the Squirrel”--to a target audience concerning “CONSERVATION.”

Conservation Adventure Pre-Requisites:

Scouts and Venturers must be 15 years and older and Scouts have earned their First Class rank.

Program Focus:

1. Provide a well-organized program based on The Boy Scout Handbook, Scouting Conservation, Outdoor Code, STEM/NOVA Guidebook, Leave No Trace Awareness, and Master Naturalist Training Program by qualified professionals and committee Scouters.

2. Investigate the basic concepts of ecology, geology, vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants. 3. Teach the basics in citizen science and research skills. 4. Instill in the Scouts a greater awareness of natural resources management, careers in

natural sciences, and conservation stewardship. 5. Have expected outcomes in exploring careers in the natural sciences with visits to

Radford University and Virginia Tech. 6. Ensure all orders of thinking in Bloom’s Taxonomy are exercised in Scout’s learning:

Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis, and Evaluation. 7. Introduce Scouts to the William T. Hornaday Conservation Awards Program 8. Maintain a ratio of one instructor for every 8 to 15 Scouts. 9. Provide an exciting and memorable camp experience in having lots of “FUN with a

purpose.”

Preparation for Ten Days of “The Conservation Experience”:

1. Earn First Class rank and be at least 15 years or older. 2. Review the conservation badges and awards that can be eventually earned in part or

whole: Bird Study, Energy, Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Management, Fishing, Forestry, Geology, Insect Study, Mammal Study, Nature, Plant Science, Reptile and Amphibian Study, and Soil and Water Conservation.

3. Conduct a shakedown at a troop meeting prior to camp to make sure that the Scouts have all the equipment and merit badge pamphlets that they will need for the week.

Items required for “CE”:

Rain Gear—Flashlight—Extra batteries--Two water bottles—School-style back pack capable of caring gear for a hike—Personal first aid kit— Good walking/hiking shoes/boots—Extra socks—Paper and pencils—Headgear—Uniform Class A and B—Laptop Computer w/stick. Items carried to each session in a school-style backpack: Scout Handbook—Paper and Pencil—Merit Badge pamphlets—“CE” Passport—Water bottle. Optional Items: Compass—Pocket Knife—Camera—Sunscreen—Bug Spray Registration: Participating Scouts in the “CE” will register along with their troops at summer camp. Remember to completely fill out the roster, bring two copies to camp, and bring a BSA Health Form (A-B-C). Week at “The Conservation Experience” Camp: The Conservation Experience (CE) is designed for experienced Scouts of First Class rank and above as well as for Venturers. The program is conducted in the beautiful BRSR at the Camp Ottari Foxfire/Nature Centers, along the hiking trails, and field trips to local universities. At the beginning of camp, Scouts will gather at the Foxfire Center when not being utilized by the Foxfire Camp group for an opening ceremony. The Scouts will be organized into Trail Crews led by an elected senior Scout. Depending on the number of registered Scouts, the program will be flexible in scheduling the crews in round-robin station to station activities. During the week, Scouts will return each day to their troops for lunch, supper, rest time, and sleeping arrangements. Qualified Scouters from the Conservation Committee and visiting professionals will present each part of the program in natural settings. They will be supervised by a “CE” Director who will report to the Camp Ottari Director. A science lab will be set up to explore nature in an experimental setting. Scouts will be provided with a jump drive that has plant and animal ID and other pertinent nature and conservation information as well as workbooks that can be downloaded into their computer. To explore in-depth career opportunities, guest speakers will be available and Scouts will be transported to Radford

University and Virginia Tech’s natural science departments to learn about careers in conservation, environment, and nature study. At the end of the week, Scouts will complete a conservation project on the reservation that is reflected in their merit badges. A closing ceremony, perhaps around a campfire setting, will occur when the Scouts receive their awards.

Ten Day Tentative Schedule (Sunday through Wednesday)

Day 1: Introduction and Team Building

• Organization of the crews and how to operate as a team • Learning objectives and key program goals • What is science? What is a naturalist? • Practical: Night Hike—using all your senses to connect with nature

Team Building Activities

Day 2: Invertebrates and Stream Ecology • Overview of invertebrates with focus on insects • Use of key points in field guides to identify organisms • How to record natural observations • Practical: Work with Va. Department of Gaming and Inland Fishing (VDGIF)

Biologist to sample local stream Conduct nature observation and stalking

Day 3: The Biogeography of Virginia and Geographic Information System • Field trip to Virginia Tech

Day 4: Vertebrates

• Overview of Reptiles, Amphibians, and Ichthyology (fish) • Practical: Field trip to Wythe County Fish Hatchery and fishing excursion

Day 5: Forest Ecology and Management

• Overview of Forestry and plant ecology • BRSR Forestry Management Plan • Practical: Forest cruise and how to operate a portable sawmill

Day 6: Geology

• Introduction to Geology with focus on the geology of Virginia • Practical: Field trip to Radford University

Day 7: Vertebrates and Citizen Science

• Overview of Mammalogy (mammals) and Ornithology (birds) • Practical: Conduct a biological inventory at a listening/observation site

Day 8 & 9: Conservation and Stewardship

• Leave No Trace Trainer Course and interpretive skills • Introduction to William T. Hornaday Conservation Awards Program • Practical: Overnight backpacking trip and

Trail conservation project

Day 10: Living a Sustainable Life and Graduation

The Conservation Experience Matrix

Activities LNT WC CGT KAB HB VMN Merit Badges Bird Study X X Energy X Environmental Science X X X X X Fish and Wildlife Management X X X X Fishing X Forestry X X X Geology X X Insect Study X X Mammal Study X X Nature X X Plant Science X X Reptile and Amphibian Study X X Soil and Water Conservation X X X X Leave No Trace Awareness LNT Campout X LNT Conservation Project X X X LNT Poster or Model X LNT Presentation X LNT Principles X Hornaday Project Title Preparation X Note: LNT (Leave No Trace); WC (World Conservation); CGT (Conservation Good Turn); KAB (Keep America Beautiful); HB (William T. Hornaday Badge): VMN (Virginia Master Naturalist)

Blue Ridge Mountains Council Conservation Experience Schedule

TIME MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY9:00:00AMto9:15AM GatheringTime GatheringTime GatheringTime GatheringTime GatheringTime

9:15:00AMTO9:30AM OpeningCeremony&Announcements OpeningCeremony&Announcements

OpeningCeremony&Announcements

OpeningCeremony&Announcements

OpeningCeremony&Announcements

9:30:00AMTO10:00AM IntroductiontoBRCAandTrailCrewFlags LNTModelorPoster CampingMB#6to#8 CitizenshipinWorld#4to#5

ConservationProject

10:00:00AMTO10:30AM LNTPrinciples Citizenship #6to#8 CitizenshipinWorld#4to#5

Soil&WaterConsMB#7

10:30:00AMTO11:00AM LNTProjectPreparation Inthe SoilandWater SoilandWater EnvironmentalScience11:00:00AMTO11:30AM LNTPresentation World ConservationMB ConservationMB MB#511:30:00AMTO12:00PM LNTPresentation #1to#3 #4to#5 #5to#6 Camping#9c

12:00PM Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch LunchTO and and and and and

1:00PM RestTime RestTime RestTime RestTime RestTime1:00PMTO1:30PM Environmental Environmental VisitVATech Citizenshipin OptionalTime1:30PMTO2:00PM ScienceMB ScienceMB onCareer World MB2:00PMTO2:30PM #1to #3Dto Opportunities MB ToComplete

2:30PMTO3:00PM #3C #4 EnvironmentalScienceMB#6

#6 Activities

3:00PMTO3:30PM Camping SoilAnd Computers CampingMBAnd ClosingCeremony3:30PMTO4:00PM MB WaterConservation MB SetupCampsiteAnd And4:00PMTO4:30PM #1to#5 MB#1to#3 #9 Hike#9to#10 Graduation4:30PMTO6:30PM SupperAndRestTime SupperAndRestTime SupperAndRestTime SupperAndRestTime SupperAndRestTime6:30PMTO7:00PM Computers Computers Computers Hiketo7:00PMTO7:30PM MB MB MB Campout/LNT7:30PMTO8:00PM #1to#3 #1to#3 #1to#3 #9