SCHOLARSHIPS HELP STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT CONSERVATION

Each year the Sauk County Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Committee and Department offer scholarships to area youth to attend conservation camps. 

The camps provide youth with positive outdoor educational experiences, help them better appreciate and understand nature, and introduce them to the variety of opportunities in natural resources and conservation careers.  Professionals present programs on topics such as wildlife, forestry, orienteering, soils, erosion, ecosystems, and habitats.  Conservation camps also offer unique opportunities to make new friends from around the state and enjoy hiking, swimming, canoeing, and camping. 

Liam Taber, son of Alison and Michael Taber, an eighth grader at Jack Young Middle School was awarded a scholarship to attend the Sand Lake Conservation Camp near Crivitz in Marinette County.  He joined around 88 other middle schoolers from 20 different Wisconsin counties and three counties in the Upper Peninsula.  This camp was held June 20-22, 2013.

Liam presented on his camping experiences at the July 23 Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Committee meeting.  He stated they learned “how conservational activities could benefit the environment, us, and the entire human race.”

The following students were awarded scholarships to attend the Wisconsin Youth Conservation Camp at Trees for Tomorrow near Eagle River from June 25-28:  Kimberly Helm-Quest, daughter of Peggy and Bill Helm-Quest, a sophomore at E-Achieve School; Samuel Rocha, son of Ann and Mike Rocha, a junior at Reedsburg Area High School. 

Scholarships covered the costs for registrations, meals, and lodging.   Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Education Coordinator Penny Pohle said, “It is important to encourage youth to be involved with conservation and connect with nature.  These camps are exciting and worthwhile events that help spark an interest in nature.  Students are encouraged to take what they learned and become the next generation of conservation stewards.”  For more information about this program, please contact the Penny at the Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Department at 355-4839, ppohle@co.sauk.wi.us, or check out the Sauk County website at www.co.sauk.wi.us.