Local students attend Natural Resources Conservation Workshop

L to R: Emily Dyer, Emily Fox, Anjel Gibson, Caleb Marchant and Amos Williams.

Local students from Union County recently attended a summer camp in Cochran, Ga., to learn all about Georgia's natural resources and the various individuals, groups, and agencies that work to protect those resources. More than 100 students attended from all over Georgia.

The Natural Resources Conservation Workshop (NRCW) is targeted toward students with a desire to learn more about Georgia's natural resources and the opportunities and responsibilities they provide. More than $11,000 in scholarships are awarded based on test scores from quizzes given throughout the week.

The workshop lasted five days and was held on the campus of Middle Georgia College in Cochran. Experts from universities, local, state, and federal natural resource agencies provided students with lecture and hands-on activities to enhance their understanding of Georgia's vital natural resources and the opportunities and responsibilities that they provide.

The summer camp is open to Georgia high school students ages 15 and 18 who have not graduated from high school.

This workshop gives students a unique, one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn about Georgia's natural resources- soil, water, air, plants, minerals, and animals from the experts in the field.

"Many of our youth do not realize the value of our natural resources that we depend on every day," said Workshop Director Britt Parker. "The camp utilizes classroom and field trip activities to help interested young people learn the basic principles and the responsible use of our natural resources."

Students that attended the workshop got a taste of college life while spending an entire week on the college campus of Middle Georgia College in Cochran. Next year, the workshop will be held at the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College near Tifton.

Students gained valuable insight into careers through their counselors and instructors consisting of professional personnel from the Department of Natural Resources, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Georgia Forestry Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and many private industries and organizations.

Scholarship sponsors include the Georgia Association of Conservation District Supervisors, ABAC Foundation, Georgia Chapter of American Public Works Association, Georgia Mining Association, Workshop Scholarship Fund and the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District.

Tuition is $150 per student and was provided to our students by the Blue Ridge Mountain Soil and Water Conservation District, United Community Bank and Blairsville Kiwanis Club.

Application and information is available online at http://www.abac.edu/psbo/nrcw / or through county offices of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Georgia Forestry Commission, Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division or the Cooperative Extension Service and participating organizations.