2023 program dates are June 12-16 and June 26-30; deadline to apply is May 31
Under the guidance of ORF staff, students will learn what it takes to be an environmental steward and discover their power to lead their school and community toward conservation solutions.
“This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain an understanding and appreciation of our local aquatic habitats, the threats they face, and the positive conservation work happening every day in their community,” said Melinda Voss, Ohio River Foundation Education Programs Manager. “This program also allows students to gain new leadership skills and learn more about the many careers available in environmental science.”
Student Conservation Leaders Program
Each day of these one-week sessions begins and ends at a local river park. From there, participants will adventure up and down the waterway to engage in hands-on ecological investigations, activities, and empowering conversations.
Participants will fish, hike, wade, sample, observe and engage in restoration activities in our Ohio River Watershed, developing their abilities in leadership, stewardship, and conservation in the process. The program includes lessons about macroinvertebrates, chemistry, fishing, and a behind-the-scenes look into ORF’s River Explorer and Mussels in the Classroom education programs, along with other hands-on ecological explorations.
This five-day long course is offered for two different weeks at two different locations:
- June 12-16, 9:30 am-3:00 pm: Nisbet Park (Loveland, OH)
- June 26-30, 9:30 am-3:00 pm: Washington Park (OTR, Cincinnati, OH)
Student applicants must be entering 10th -12th grades for the 2023-2024 school year. Applications must be received by May 31.
The course fee is $150. The course fee covers all instruction, travel, and activity expenses, as well as an Ohio River Foundation T-shirt. Lunch and snacks are not included. Students should bring their own water and lunch each day. Scholarships are available.
To learn more or apply, visit https://ohioriverfdn.org/education-programs/student-conservation/.