Six-week natural resources-based program returns for third year, beginning Tuesday

About 50 Detroit-area teens and young adults will learn about Michigan's natural resources through a variety of classroom and hands-on activities, when the Department of Natural Resources Youth Conservation Academy gets under way Tuesday, July 11.

The six-week academy, in its third year, this year takes place at Belle Isle Park. The opening session is at the park's Flynn Memorial Pavilion.

The academy also highlights jobs available within the DNR, including positions in law enforcement, forestry, fisheries, wildlife, marketing and outreach, historical resources, parks and recreation, land management and more.

In addition, participants will complete the hunter education program during the academy.

"We're excited to offer these educational opportunities to the next generation of conservation stewards," said Gary Hagler, DNR Law Enforcement Division chief and academy organizer. "Michigan has a strong outdoor heritage. Providing Detroit-area teens with the chance to learn about our natural resources and explore rewarding careers within the DNR will help preserve that legacy."

Sessions are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Tuesday from July 11 through Aug. 15. Each session involves classroom work and a variety of outdoor learning and recreational activities. Areas of focus include:

July 11: Law enforcement/hunter education
July 18: Mineral resources/historical resources
July 25: Forestry/fisheries
Aug. 1: Wildlife/parks and recreation
Aug. 8: Laws and ethics/outdoor survival
Aug. 15: Graduation

Students were selected from five area Summer Youth Employment Program groups: the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, Detroit Zoological Society, Healthy Kidz Inc., The Youth Connection Inc. and Urban Neighborhood Initiatives. The students have established mentors and supervisors from these groups who will support their efforts and development throughout the academy.

Learn more about the Youth Conservation Academy at www.michigan.gov/dnreducation. Click on the Youth Conservation Academy link. Visit weekly to follow the students' progress through blogs, video and photos. The blog also will be posted weekly on the Michigan DNR Facebook page.

Learn more about DNR career opportunities at www.michigan.gov/dnrjobs.


Contact: Sgt. Steve Orange, 517-284-6022 or Lt. Tom Wanless, 517-284-6026