Woodbury—Does a weekend in the great outdoors exploring nature, canoeing, hiking and delving into watershed science and other natural resources topics sound like fun? It is! And what’s more, it’s free for anyone from Vermont and neighboring states entering Grade 7-10 this fall.
There’s still time to sign up for the 2023 Natural Resources Management Academy, which will be held at the Green Mountain Conservation Camp at Buck Lake in Woodbury. The dates are July 14-16. If you love being outdoors, are considering a career or college studies in a natural resources field or just want to spend a weekend camping with friends who love nature, this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity.
The annual weekend is sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension and the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife.Vermont EPSCoR is covering all costs for participants, including registration, accommodations for two nights in rustic cabins, meals, snacks and all activities.
You have until June 23 to register at www.uvm.edu/extension/youth. If requiring language interpretation, translation assistance and/or a disability-related accommodation to participate, contact 4-H by that date.
So what will the weekend entail?
You will work side-by-side with natural resources professionals in interactive workshops to learn about fish health CSI, planning and zoning, ecological restoration, watershed science and how food waste is converted to fuels. You will explore the woods on a nature hike and hone compass and mapping skills on a canoe scavenger hunt.
And who doesn’t love a fish fry and evening campfires with s’mores? Or a chance to share ideas and get acquainted with other teens who share your passion for nature and the environment? In addition to scheduled activities, there also will be free time for hiking, swimming, fishing and canoeing.
The program will conclude with lunch on Sunday. Parents and family members are invited to join you after lunch for cake and the graduation ceremony.