The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Youth Conservation Academy graduated its second class of students Aug. 16 at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) in Downtown Detroit.
Academy groupTwenty-seven Detroit youth and young adults completed the academy's six-week program, learning about natural resources conservation, management and leadership, hands-on outdoor recreational activities, and career opportunities within the Michigan DNR.
During opening comments, DNR Law Division Chief Gary Hagler noted that this next generation will play a vital role in conserving and managing Michigan's natural resources.
"One of the many reasons we created the DNR Detroit Youth Conservation Academy last year was to provide better opportunities to include more young voices," Hagler said. "It's our responsibility, as the state agency charged with overseeing Michigan's woods, water and wildlife, to provide you with the information, resources and support you'll need."
DNR Deputy Director Bill Moritz addressed the graduating class, congratulating them on their accomplishments.
Larry SargentRight before and just after lunch, Larry Sargent, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. vice president and retired DNR conservation officer, and Taylor Renton and Johanna Dart from Gourmet Gone Wild, spoke to the class.
Sargent spoke about the many opportunities for students in aviation, from pilots to airplane mechanics and traffic control operators. Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. offers many opportunities to youth and young adults, he said, including plane rides and, for older youth, flight lessons, all at no charge.
Renton and Dart, after handing out venison sausage samples to the class, formed a "learn to hunt" focus group. The group discussed hunting perceptions, whether or not they have hunted, and their desires to learn to hunt.
For the next hour, the class engaged in hands-on activities. Some participants headed to the indoor archery range for BB-gun practice in a special range set up in this area. Officers assisted the students with instruction.
Learning to shootParticipants also engaged in laser shot practice, which uses a firearm that shoots only a beam at a screen. The trailer containing this activity was set up outdoors near the OAC.
At 3 p.m., the students moved back to the classroom for the long-anticipated event – presentation of graduation certificates and associated gear. Hagler presented each student with their graduation certificate, fishing pole and stocked tackle box and fishing license. Thanks to a number of generous sponsors, the DNR was able to create a rich academy experience and offer take-home gifts for graduation participants:
- The PATH Foundation provided a grant that paid for fishing licenses and discounted fishing gear from Gander Mountain.
- Gander Mountain (Flint) provided discounted fishing supplies.
- Jay's Sporting Goods donated lure boxes and miscellaneous fishing supplies.
- Big Moe's Bait & Tackle discounted the cost of fishing poles. (An anonymous donor paid for the discounted fishing poles and reels.)
- Liquid Assets Bottled Water donated water for the duration of the academy.
Although the academy is over, students are now poised to continue their natural resources-based learning and experiences, all supported by the DNR and Detroit community.
Fishing gearThe DNR has partnered with the Detroit Yacht Club to offer a free boater safety class on Belle Isle in early September to interested past participants of the academy. Successful completion of the one-day class earns students their boater safety certificate required to operate a motorized watercraft in Michigan. It's just the beginning of opportunities for these dedicated Detroit youth and young adults.
For more information on the DNR Detroit Youth Conservation Academy, call 517-284-6000 or visit www.michigan.gov/dnreducation and click on Conservation Youth Academy 2016 found under the Youth Programs heading. Past blogs and photos also are found here.