1. Conservation Project Planning
Carol Pilgrim
Kathy Aardema-Zunk 1

2. Conservation …What Does It Mean?
The act of preserving, guarding, or protecting; the keeping (of a thing) in a safe or entire state; preservation.
A wise use of natural resources Source: Wiktionary.org
How do you make conservation part of your unit program?

3. WHY IS CONSERVATION A PART OF WOOD BADGE LEADER TRAINING?
Environmental Education
Conservation and environmental education have always been deeply woven into the philosophy and programs of the Boy Scouts of America
Conservation 3

4. THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVATION IN THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Scout Law:
A Scout is Thrifty:
“A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for the future.
He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.”
Scout Slogan:
Do a Good Turn Daily
Can apply to good deeds done for the sake of the environment
Outdoor Code:
As an American, I will do my best to:
Be clean in my outdoor manners
Be careful with fire
Be considerate in the outdoors, and
Be conservation-minded
BE CONSERVATION-MINDED. I will learn how to practice good conservation of soil, water, forests, minerals, grasslands,
wildlife, and energy. I will urge others to do the same.
Today that also means Recycle papers, glass, and metal used in your home and community.
Do all you can to minimize waste…GO GREEN!!!
Leave No Trace Principles
Principles of stewardship promoted in every outdoor activity:
Plan ahead and prepare
Camp and travel on durable surfaces
Pack it in; Pack it out
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire use
Respect wildlife
Respect others
The Scout Law
The Outdoor Code
9th Point….
A Scout is Thrifty 4

5. How to involve Scouts in conservation efforts?
Scouts at all levels whether that be TIGER CUBS, CUB SCOUTS, BOY SCOUTS or VENTURE CREWS they are::
Eager to help care for the environment
Want to be involved in projects that benefit air, land and water
Enthusiastic about doing their part to care for natural resources. 5

6. A Partnership is Needed!
LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCY
SCOUTING UNIT
A PARTNERSHIP WITH LAND MGMT AGENCY IS NEEDED
US National Park Services
VA Dept of Game and Inland Fisheries
VA Dept of Forestry
VA Dept of Conservation and Recreation
City and County Parks and Recreation
VA Assoc. of Soil and Water Conservation
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Many Rewards of a Partnership Between an Agency and Scout Unit
LAND MGMT AGENCY
Agency personnel share their knowledge and skills with the Scouts.
Agency can be a source of conservation adventures, education, and service to the environment.
SCOUTING UNIT
Involve scouts in conservation work
Scouts become active caretakers of natural resources, not just hikers and campers using the land.
Inspire scouts to become lifelong stewards of the land
TOGETHER THEIR EFFORTS RESULT IN POSITIVE CONSERVATION EFFORTS FOR ALL TO BENEFIT 6

7. Types of Conservation Projects
Habitat and Wildlife
Trails and Campsites
Monitoring
Structures
Educational
Historical
Conservation Projects come under six principle areas that involve :
Habitat and Wildlife
Trails and Campsites
Monitoring
Structures
Educational Projects
Historical Projects
Lets take a brief look at each of these different areas 7

8. Conservation Projects Habitat and Wildlife
WATERWAYS – Improve habitat, streams, and shorelines
WATERWAYS – Stabilize threatened stream banks 8

9. Conservation Projects Habitat and Wildlife
PLANTING – Re-vegetate damaged meadows and hillsides
PLANTING – Plant trees, shrubs, and grasses to control erosion or attract wildlife 9

10. Conservation Projects Habitat and Wildlife
URBAN ENVIRONMENT – Establish and care for urban green spaces and neighborhood parks
URBAN ENVIRONMENT – Create environmental impact awareness of your urban storm water drainage systems. Distribute information on how to properly dispose of toxic waste 10

11. Conservation Projects Habitat and Wildlife
WILDLIFE – Habitat improvement with nest boxes, feeders, or restocking fish 11

12. Conservation Projects Trails and Campsites
TRAILS – Maintain or create trails
CAMPSITES – Increase access. Remove unwanted sites
Last summer ArrowCorps5 successfully completed over 5,000 service hours to our national parks.  Among the work undertaken was the start of over 20 miles of new trails in the George Washington/Jefferson National Forest that will serve to connect other major trail systems in the park.
On the weekend of April 9-11, 2010, our own Order of The Arrow Nawakwa Lodge will host our portion of the GW/Jeff Trail Crew Service Project and complete about 1 or 2 miles of new connection trails. 12

13. Conservation Projects Monitoring
Rainfall and Water Quality
Populations - Great Back-Yard Bird Count 13

14. Conservation Projects Structures
Buildings, Bridges, Fences
Nature trail signs 14

15. Conservation Projects Educational
Develop and maintain outdoor classroom sites
Teach skills and develop informational brochures 15

16. Conservation Projects Historical
Clean and repair statues, gravestones, and other historical site
Assist archaeologists in protecting and studying archaeological sites 16

17. WHAT MAKES A GOOD CONSERVATION PROJECT?
Involve Scouts in All Aspects of a Project
Make Projects Fun
Choose Reasonable First Projects
Consider Skill Levels
Set Reasonable Goals
Make A Difference
Adopt-a-site
SEE SHEET NEXT PAGE 17

18. HOW TO DO A CONSERVATION PROJECT
1. PROJECT OVERVIEW
Plan & Evaluate – “Conservation Project Planning Checklist” (Wood Badge Handbook page 60)
2. ACTIVITY LIST
Tools & Materials
Transportation
Communications
Safety
Plan -Thorough planning is needed to shape projects that are satisfying to the Scouts and of value to the environment, matched to the skill levels of all involved.
Evaluate – Visit the site ahead of time and utilize the CONSERVATION PROJECT PLANNING CHECKLIST in your Manuals. Items to determined:
What is the Task and Why is it Important?
How many Scouters will be needed? Clothing requirements?
What is the Time Frame Needed
What Tools and Materials will be needed and who will supply them?
What Leadership Skills are needed to oversee the work? And by whom
Transportation to and from?
Safety Factors to consider and Emergency Information Secured.
Document - Record hours worked, what was done and Take Photos: Valuable record of Scouting’s environmental activities
Recognize - Patches, awards, merit badge requirements, rank advancement
Agency Personnel potential awards
Adopt A Site 18

19. HOW TO DO A CONSERVATION PROJECT
3. ACTIVITY ASSIGNMENTS
Document
4. PUTTING THE PLAN INTO ACTION
As planned!
As a Team!
With feedback and support!
Plan -Thorough planning is needed to shape projects that are satisfying to the Scouts and of value to the environment, matched to the skill levels of all involved.
Evaluate – Visit the site ahead of time and utilize the CONSERVATION PROJECT PLANNING CHECKLIST in your Manuals. Items to determined:
What is the Task and Why is it Important?
How many Scouters will be needed? Clothing requirements?
What is the Time Frame Needed
What Tools and Materials will be needed and who will supply them?
What Leadership Skills are needed to oversee the work? And by whom
Transportation to and from?
Safety Factors to consider and Emergency Information Secured.
Document - Record hours worked, what was done and Take Photos: Valuable record of Scouting’s environmental activities
Recognize - Patches, awards, merit badge requirements, rank advancement
Agency Personnel potential awards
Adopt A Site 19

20. HOW TO DO A CONSERVATION PROJECT
5. PROJECT CLOSEOUT
Recognize
World Conservation Award
Webelos Activity Pins
Boy Scout Merit Badges
William T. Hornaday Award
“Leave No Trace” Award
Journey to Excellence
Plan -Thorough planning is needed to shape projects that are satisfying to the Scouts and of value to the environment, matched to the skill levels of all involved.
Evaluate – Visit the site ahead of time and utilize the CONSERVATION PROJECT PLANNING CHECKLIST in your Manuals. Items to determined:
What is the Task and Why is it Important?
How many Scouters will be needed? Clothing requirements?
What is the Time Frame Needed
What Tools and Materials will be needed and who will supply them?
What Leadership Skills are needed to oversee the work? And by whom
Transportation to and from?
Safety Factors to consider and Emergency Information Secured.
Document - Record hours worked, what was done and Take Photos: Valuable record of Scouting’s environmental activities
Recognize - Patches, awards, merit badge requirements, rank advancement
Agency Personnel potential awards
Adopt A Site 20

21. S7-602-13-1 DAY 5 CONSERVATION PROJECT
Handbook Resources:
Conservation Project Planning Checklist
What makes a good Conservation Project
Sample Conservation Projects
Day 5 Service Patrol – Antelopes
Communicate plan to Patrol Leaders 21

22. "The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value."
-Theodore Roosevelt - 22

23. S7-602-13 Conservation Project Overview
John Hankins
HOV Scout Reservation Superintendent

24. S7-602-13 Conservation Project Overview
Task –
Why –
How Many Wood Badge Participants Needed –Time Frame –
Items Needed:
Project Leadership –
Travel to Work Area –
Safety Factors –