The 48th annual Natural Resources Conservation Workshop was held June 7 through June 11. It was hosted by Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Ga. The Workshop has graduated approximately 11,519 participants over the years and was enjoyed this year by 109 Georgia high school students including 10 students from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Students came from throughout Georgia and attended the week’s activities of field trips and classroom functions with opportunities to earn college scholarships at the end of the week.

Workshop director Dennis Brooks said, “This is an excellent opportunity for high school students interested in our environment and natural resources. Students learn the importance of conserving our natural resources and the vital role these resources play in our daily life and for generations to come. Many students make decisions toward a career or area of study in college because of their involvement in this workshop.”

Professionals from Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Georgia Mining Association led instruction and hands-on activities. Twelve different core subjects were covered including wildlife law enforcement, wildlife management, soil conservation, backyard conservation and Georgia coastal resources.

The tuition of most students was sponsored locally by businesses and organizations through the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Quizzes at the end of the workshop determined the recipients of thirteen college scholarships worth $18,200 along with $425 in cash and plaques. The scholarships were provided by the Georgia Association of Conservation District Supervisors, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Workshop Scholarship Funds, The University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, Heart of Georgia Technical College, Fort Valley State University, Georgia Chapter American Public Works Association (2), Georgia Mining Association, the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, Piedmont Conservation Products and the Pope-Dunaway and the Blue Ridge SWCD/Young Harris College.