DHS Conservation Course

Conservation Course 2012 - May 29 – June 31

Celebrating 56 years of Conservation Education

Objective

To broaden understanding of resource management and encourage appreciation of conservation concepts while enjoying three days in an outdoor setting by:
• creating opportunities through hands-on experiences
• showing inter-dependence of renewable resources
• demonstrating that non-renewable resources can be wisely managed
• emphasizing that the purpose of resource management is to benefit people
• illustrating that negative effects on the environment can be minimized, reduced or eliminated.

Overview

In the mid 1950s a forward looking group of people in Dryden Ontario recognized a need to provide young people with background and education in the area of resource conservation and management. Management of the local paper mill along with representatives of the mill’s Woodlands Department, the local Board of Education, Dryden High School, and the Department of Natural Resources combined their knowledge and resources to implement the Dryden High School Conservation Course in 1957.

Since 1957 The Dryden High School Conservation Course has been an annual event. Students from Grade 10 at Dryden High School are provided the opportunity to spend three intensive days in the field learning key aspects of resource conservation and management from resource management experts. The stated objective of this unique conservation course is “to broaden understanding of resource management and encourage appreciation of conservation concepts while enjoying three days in an outdoor setting”. Hands-on and interactive approaches to learning are encouraged.

This year, key elements for conservation include, water, soil, wildlife and forests. Resource use elements and activities that are presented include water resources, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, wildlife, and forestry. Specific elements of forestry include, harvesting and renewal, seedling production, inventory, soils, fire management and protection, and a land use management planning exercise.

Over the years, numerous independent volunteers, organizations, local industry and businesses have willing contributed their resources and talents to this program. These experts have included participants from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Domtar, Science North, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ontario Power Generation, a number of universities and colleges, Forestry Canada, and the Ontario Forestry Association.

The intent of this program is not to make experts of the students involved but to increase their awareness of resource use and the challenges that are presented in resource management. Interactions between resource uses and users, and the impacts of competing resources, are explored.

Many of the students who have participated in the Dryden High School Conservation Course have gone on to pursue higher education and careers in the field of resource management. Alumni of the Dryden High School Conservation Course include professional foresters, biologists, ecologist, geologists, agronomists, and many others who have pursued careers in related fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What gear should I bring to Conservation Camp?

• hat
• sunscreen
• insect repellent
• jacket/long-sleeved shirt
• long pants
• appropriate footwear (running shoes or hiking boots) NO SANDALS OR OPEN-TOED SHOES!
• water bottle – paper/plastic cups will not be provided
• rain wear
• snacks

2. Are meals provided?

• Lunch and supper are provided each day
• Cold drinks will be provided – bring a water bottle or travel mug
• Let us know if you have food allergies or require a vegetarian option
• Lunch and supper are provided on Day 2 courtesy of Domtar
• Bring your own snacks – Litterless is better!

3. Will Conservation Camp be cancelled if it rains?

• Bring rain wear, Conservation Camp runs rain or shine

4. I have allergies to food and/or environmental triggers. Who should I tell?

• Ensure that your teacher has written documentation of your allergies
• Alternate meals can be provided if advance notice is provided
• Tell your teacher and a close friend if you are carrying an EpiPen or other necessary allergy medication

5. I am a vegetarian. Who should I tell?

• Let your teacher know in advance so that meatless meals can be provided.

6. I will be missing three days of classes. What am I responsible for?

• Speak to your course teachers as soon as you know that you will be attending Conservation Camp. Ask them what you will be missing and make arrangements to complete necessary assignments, and make up tests/evaluations at another time

7. I have a part-time job after school and don’t want to miss work. Can I participate in Conservation for only one or two days?

• Conservation Camp is a three day commitment
• This program has been running in Dryden for more than 55 years and most employers are happy to give you the time off to participate

Thanks

THANK YOU to the following organizations that have contributed to the ongoing success of the Dryden Conservation Camp:

• City of Dryden - http://www.dryden.ca/city_services/parks_and_grounds/aaron_provincial_park/
• Clean Power Operating Trust - http://www.macquarie.com/mpt/portfolio/dryden.htm
• Confederation College - http://www.confederationc.on.ca/programs/naturalresources
• Department of Fisheries & Oceans – Fresh Water Institute - http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/regions/central/pub/fresh-douces/01-eng.htm
• Domtar – Dryden Forest Products - http://www.domtar.com/en/sustainability/index.asp
• Dryden Forest Management Company
• Dryden High School - http://dhseagles.kpdsb.on.ca/
• Dryden Trappers Council
• Eagle Lake First Nation - http://www.eaglelakefirstnation.ca
• Evergreen Farms
• Keewatin Patricia District School Board - http://www.kpdsb.on.ca
• Lakehead University - http://nrm.lakeheadu.ca/
• Let’s Talk Science - http://www.letstalkscience.ca/
• Ontario Forestry Association - http://www.oforest.ca/
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources - http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/
• Ontario Ministry of Northern Development & Mines - http://www.mndm.gov.on.ca/default_e.asp
• Ontario Parks - http://www.ontarioparks.com/
• Ontario Power Generation - http://www.opg.com/index.asp
• Raleigh Falls Timber
• Ontario Ministry of the Environment - http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/
• PRT – Frontier Resource Management - http://www.prt.com/page202.htm
• Robin Hill Farm

Conservation Camp 2010 Pictures: Gallery, Slideshow

Click here to view 2011 Conservation Course Photos

2011 Conservation Camp Participants