Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp targeted toward teens

Students involved in the 2011 Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Conservation
Camp held at FFA Camp Muskingum in Carrollton are pictured learning
about how logs are graded for lumber production. Students have until
June 2to register for this summer learning experience.

A great opportunity is approaching for teens interested in the outdoors. The Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp will be held June 10-15 at FFA Camp Muskingum, on beautiful Leesville Lake in Carroll County.

The Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp is a week-long resident camp that combines fun and learning, with the goal of reaching the next generation of caretakers of Ohio’s valuable natural resources. Programs at this year’s camp include tree identification, ecology, wildlife management, forest management, wildlife tracking, maple syrup production, forest industries and arborist work, along with other options.

The camp is sponsored by the Ohio Forestry Association Inc., a private, not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to promote the wise management of Ohio’s forests and natural resources. This camp is supported by the ODNR Divisions of Wildlife and Forestry, Ohio State University (OSU) Extension, county Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) and other private and government organizations with natural resource professionals who teach a variety of subjects.

Campers spend the week making new friends, participating in fun camp activities, and learning about the environment around them. Camp culminates with a comprehensive exam including a tree identification section. The highest scoring students compete for college scholarships to Hocking College and The Ohio State University.

“Forestry isn’t just about doing a timber harvest properly; it is about managing the resource and all aspects around those trees,” said Service Forester Jeremy Scherf. “I think the camp does a good job of providing that education to these kids while making it fun and helping them develop lifelong friendships.”

Camp costs is $325 per student, and is open to all youth who have completed the eighth grade and are at least 15 years of age. Scholarships are available to assist interested students who need help covering the fee, and are offered through local SWCD offices, sportsmen’s clubs, forestry groups and many private forestry-sector businesses. Students must be registered by June 2 to participate.

For more information, contact the Ohio Forestry Association at 888-38-TREES or visit the OFA website at www.ohioforest.org.

ODNR’s Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.