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Conservation

Conservation prepares students for careers in Conservation and Environmental Science. Most Conservation careers require an associates, bachelor or master's degree, depending upon the career area. Students study five key areas: Forestry & Landscaping, Surveying, Fish & Wildlife Management, Forest Recreation Management, and Equipment Operation.

Students spend time on trails in the in the forest area off campus identifying trees and wildlife tracks, testing water and soil for chemicals, surveying boundary lines, harvesting timber, removing trees and operating log skidders. Students work on authentic field projects developing skills such as problem solving, self-directed learning, teamwork, innovation, and critical thinking.

Students participate in running a maple syrup operation and compete in state contests to demonstrate their skills.

What Students Learn

The Conservation program helps students develop a comprehensive understanding of the field through the study of:

  • Basic Agriculture and Ecology
  • Fish & Wildlife Management
  • Forest Management
  • Landscaping/Urban Forestry
  • Soil & Water Conservation
  • Maple Syrup & Honey Production
  • Sawmill Operation
  • Timber Harvesting
  • Surveying
  • Heavy Equipment Operation

How Students Learn

Students gain hands-on learning experiences and industry skills through:

  • Classroom instruction
  • Hands-on learning experiences, including: operation of a maple syrup production facility, forestry management on campus-owned lots, beekeeping and honey production, and care of classroom fish and reptiles
  • State and regional competitions to demonstrate skills in conservation and environmental science topics

 

Students must have steel-toe leather work boots, work gloves, and rain gear for class.

 

Career Exploration

This program prepares students for potential careers that include:

  • Forest Technician
  • Landscape Technician
  • Environmental Technician
  • Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Park Naturalist/Maintenance
  • Soil Conservationist
  • Surveyor Apprentice
  • Tree and Log Scaler

Course Credits

Upon completion of this two-year program, students will earn a total of 7.5 integrated high school credits:

  • 3 Units of CTE
  • 1 Unit each of English 12, Math 11, and Science 11
  • 1 Unit of Government & Economics
  • .5 Unit of Career & Financial Management

College & Industry Connections

This program provides further learning and career opportunities through college and industry connections such as:

  • Alfred State College
  • Finger Lakes Community College
  • SUNY Morrisville
  • New York State Woodsmen’s Association

Conservation student cuts a log with a chainsaw.