Story Category: Environment »

The Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy District Boards is holding a career workshop for high school students interested in a career in natural resources. The workshop is a week long program held July 22 – 28, 2012 in Garrett County, Maryland.

The Natural Resource Careers Camp is a co-educational program designed to acquaint high school students with careers in forestry and natural resource management. Students learn about careers through hands-on activities and first hand contact with professionals from a variety of conservation careers.

Students work in small groups of 6 or 8 with a group leader. Natural resource professionals, such as wildlife biologists, park managers, and water resources biologists serve as guest instructors through out the week. The program culminates with groups using what they have learned during the week to write and present a management plan on a small area of forest.

College Night is an exciting part of the program. Representatives from West Virginia University, Virginia Tech., University of Maryland, Frostburg University, Allegany College of Maryland and Garrett College talk about their programs. Professors and department heads bring information and material to share with students who are eager to talk to the different schools.

The program is co-sponsored by Allegany College of Maryland, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Forest Service, and has been held annually for 40 years. This program is especially helpful for students who think they would like to work in a natural resources field but are not really sure.

Students who will be entering grades 9-12 next year and are interested in natural resource careers are eligible to apply. Applications are available by going online to www.marylandforestryboards.org/nrcc.cfm . Local Forest Conservancy District Boards will be interviewing and making the final selection of students. Spaces are limited; get your application in now!

For more information please call Mark Muir 301-880-2749 for St. Mary’s and Charles Counties, And Brian Stupak 301-410-535-1303 for Calvert and Arundel & Prince George’s Counties.