Photo courtesy of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has announced the launch of a science-based student outdoor recreation and conservation club. “Generation Conservation” is designed to further bring nature into the classroom and increase opportunities for Arkansas students to build outdoor skills and conservation knowledge.
The club will culminate in a two-day state summit for students and educators at the Hot Springs Convention Center and Bank OZK Arena, Nov. 5-6. Multiple contests, challenges and experiences will test and expand students’ outdoor skills and conservation knowledge as they compete for bragging rights and scholarships.
Students can sign up to demonstrate skill in more than a dozen events, including wildlife ID, creative applications of technology for conservation in STEM, plant ID, a quiz bowl on conservation knowledge, a team debate, archery challenges, app development for online maps, a game warden-inspired cadet fitness challenge and more. The summit will engage attendees in the world of outdoor recreation: from fishing to rock climbing, including “meet and greets” with conservation professionals and celebrities, outdoor recreation booths and hands-on learning opportunities.
According to Game and Fish, giving the students an opportunity to learn about and engage with the state’s natural resources has been proven to benefit both physical and mental health. Incorporating outdoor education into lesson plans brings health benefits into the school and opens up new career path opportunities for students in the fields of conservation, agriculture and outdoor recreation.
In support, former Game and Fish Commissioner Bobby Martin of Rogers is leading an initiative to ensure schools have the necessary funding to introduce students to the program. Through the launching and initial seeding of the Bobby L. Martin Generation Conservation Endowment Fund, he and his family are working alongside the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation to raise funds for scholarship awards, teacher stipends, STEM equipment and travel grants.
The endowment, competition details and registration information will all be covered in a series of informational webinars hosted on Game and Fish’s website through June. Visit agfc.com/conservationsummit to learn more and register for a session.
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