Natural Resources Careers Camp Accepting Applicants

Students entering grades 9 through 12

Garrett County, Md. (May 17, 2012) ─ High school students with an interest in forestry, fisheries, wildlife, or parks management are invited to join teens from across the State at the week-long Natural Resources Careers Camp, July 22 to 28 in Garrett County. Campers will explore related college studies and professions through hands-on activities with experts from a variety of conservation fields.

“This program is not only great for those planning a career in conservation but especially helpful for those who think they might like to work in a forestry or a natural resources field but really aren’t sure,” said Donna Davis, project forester for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Students work in groups of six or eight led by a natural resource professional. Wildlife biologists, park managers and water resources biologists serve as guest instructors throughout the week. Each group will use what they have learned to write and present a management plan on a small area of forest.

Another exciting part of the program is College Night, where representatives from West Virginia University, Virginia Tech, University of Maryland, Frostburg University, Allegany College of Maryland and Garrett College speak about their programs. Professors and department heads will share information and material with interested students.

Natural Resources Careers Camp is sponsored by Maryland’s Forest Conservancy District Boards, a partnership between Allegany College of Maryland and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service, and has been held annually for 40 years.

Students who will be entering grades 9 through 12 next year and are interested in natural resources careers are eligible to apply. Applications are available at marylandforestryboards.org/nrcc.cfm. Local Forest Conservancy District Boards will be interviewing and making the final selection of students. Space is limited.

More information is available by calling:

Baltimore City            Tod Ericson 410-836-4568
Baltimore County        Rob Prenger 410-665-5820
Carroll County            Donna Davis 410-848-9290
Cecil County               Tom Frederick 410-287-5777
Harford County           Frank Lopez 410-836-4564
Howard County           James Eierdam 410-442-2080
Montgomery County   Dan Lewis 301-854-6060

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov