ABAC Natural Resources Conservation workshop set for June

TIFTON — High school students who attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Natural Resources Conservation workshop in June will be eligible for more than $15,000 in college scholarships, “back-to-nature field trips” and an understanding of college life. Students will learn about Georgia’s natural resources through lectures and hands-on activities hosted by local, state and federal natural resource agencies and specialists from universities.

“The workshop provides an excellent opportunity to engage high school students in the importance of natural resources and agriculture in Georgia,” NRCW Director Luke Crosson said. “During NRCW, students gain a new perspective on conservation, stewardship and sustainable agriculture with both classroom and outdoor experiential learning. The workshop opens the door for many students to consider a college major for a career in agriculture and natural resources.”

For students who want to pursue an education in agriculture and natural resources, counselors, instructors and other professionals will be available to provide their perspectives on careers in the fields. These personnel include ABAC admissions and assistant professor of forestry Kip Hall, the Department of Natural Resources, the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Georgia Forestry Commission, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, the Warnell School of Forestry at UGA, the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission, and many private industries and organizations.

Trey Tyre, a student attendee of the 2017 workshop, called the experience amazing.

“When I was asked about attending NRCW week at ABAC, I was unsure what to expect, but I knew it would be a great chance to get a glance into college life,” he said. “Coming from a farm family, I know that conservation is very important. I learned so much about forestry, wildlife conservation, and the conservation of marine resources during the week.”

The workshop is scheduled June 10-14. Before the early-bird deadline of May 1, tuition is $175 per student. After that date, tuition becomes $200 per student. Tuition is typically provided to students by local Soil and Water Conservation districts, local businesses and individuals.

The final application deadline is June 1. The application process can be found online at http://www.abac.edu/nrcw. After completing the process, students will need to work with their local NRCS office and/or a Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission representative to submit the remaining portions of the application.