DAY 3Conservation

Project Planning

Sr917

HOW DO YOU MAKE CONSERVATION A

REGULAR PART OFYOUR UNIT PROGRAM?

WHY IS CONSERVATION A PART OF

WOOD BADGELEADER TRAINING?

Conservation and environmental education have

always been deeply woven into the philosophy and

programs of the Boy Scouts of America

EXAMPLES INSCOUT LITERATURE

OF THE IMPORTANCEOF CONSERVATION

• A Scout is Thrifty (9th point Scout Law)• Do a Good Turn Daily (Scout Slogan)• Outdoor Code• Leave No Trace Principles

EXAMPLES INSCOUT LITERATURE

OF THE IMPORTANCEOF CONSERVATION

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.”

EXAMPLES INSCOUT LITERATURE

OF THE IMPORTANCEOF CONSERVATION

Scout Slogan:• Do a Good Turn Daily

• Can apply to good deeds done for the sake of the environment

EXAMPLES INSCOUT LITERATURE

OF THE IMPORTANCEOF CONSERVATION

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

EXAMPLES IN SCOUT LITERATUREOF THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVATION

Leave No Trace PrinciplesPrinciples 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

How to involve Scouts in conservation efforts?

Scouts at all levels are usually:• 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.

How to involve Scouts in conservation efforts?

Land management agencies:• Encourage Scouts to take active roles in

caring for forests, parks, waterways, and other public areas

• Involve scouts in conservation work• Inspire scouts to become lifelong

stewards of the land

Rewards of a PartnershipBetween an Agency

and Scout Unit• Scouts become active caretakers of

natural resources, not just hikers and campers using the land.

• Agency personnel share their knowledge and skills with the Scouts.

• Agency can be a source of conservation adventures, education, and service to the environment.

Habitat & Wildlife ProjectsWaterways – Improve Habitat, Shorelines

Habitat & Wildlife ProjectsWaterways – Stabilize Stream Banks

Habitat Improvement & WildlifePlanting – Erosion Control

Habitat Improvement & Wildlife

Planting – Provide Food, Shelter, Shade

Habitat Improvement & WildlifeUrban Projects – Parks, Greenbelts

Habitat Improvement & WildlifeUrban Projects – Storm Water Management

Habitat Improvement & WildlifeUrban Projects – Toxic Waste Disposal

Habitat Improvement & WildlifeWildlife - Nest Boxes, Feeders, Restocking Fish

Trails and CampsitesIncrease Access, Remove Unwanted Sites

Trails and CampsitesMaintain or Create Trails

Monitoring ProjectsRainfall, Water Quality

Monitoring ProjectsPopulations - Great Back-Yard Bird Count

StructuresBuildings, Bridges, Fences

StructuresNature Trail Signs

Educational ProjectsOutdoor Classrooms

Educational ProjectsTeach Skills, Create Brochures

Historical ProjectsMonuments, Heritage, Archaeology

PLANNING ACONSERVATION

PROJECT

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.

PLANNING ACONSERVATION PROJECT

Visit the site before Scouts arrive

EVALUATE:• Tools needed• Materials• Transportation• Clothing• Emergency information• Safety

PLANNING ACONSERVATION PROJECT

DOCUMENTATION• Record hours worked, what was done• Take photos• Valuable record of Scouting’s

environmental activitiesRECOGNITION• Patches, awards, merit badge

requirements, rank advancement• Agency Personnel potential awards

What Makes a GoodConservation 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

SR 917 DAY 5 CONSERVATION PROJECT

Handbook Resources:

• Conservation Project Planning Checklist• What makes a good Conservation

Project• Sample Conservation Projects

Day 5 Service Patrol• Communicate plan to Patrol Leaders

Conservation ProjectPlanning Checklist

• What is the task to be done?• Why is it important?• How many Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts,

Varsity Scouts, or Venturers can take part in the work?

• What is the time frame for Completing the project?

Conservation ProjectPlanning Checklist

• What tools and materials will be needed, if any, and who will provide them? What leadership skills are required to oversee the work?

• Who will provide project leadership?• How will you reach the work area?• What safety factors are involved and

how will they be addressed?

Project overview

Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation

Superintendent John Hankins