About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 8, 2023)
Page 12 - Wednesday, November 8, 2023 The Jenkins County Times j enkinscountytimes. com BRINSON'S Tree k Stump Removal * Trao & Slump Bomoral * Expert Tdmming * Storm Cleanup * Skid steer Work * Lend Cl«ring,BfiJth Cutting^ Gush Hogging iccciiiy Owneo, littnscd f, tnsHrtti H caunow TC6-S26-8686 4-H offers new Natural Resources Exploration Camp By Josie Smith and Alyssa Haag, Special Contributors to The Times A dozen 4-H’ers from around Georgia were the first explorers to experience Georgia 4-H’s newest summer program — Natural Resources Exploration Camp — to leam about wildlife, forestry, fisheries and other natural resources from University of Georgia faculty. Hosted in conjunction with UGA’s Wamell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, the Natural Resources Exploration Camp offered participants a glimpse into the diverse professional and educational resources UGA offers while exploring career possibilities in the forestry and natural resource field. The unique camp combined environmental education with traditional camp activities including canoeing, fishing, swimming and campfires. Faculty and staff from Wamell designed the curriculum for the camp, which is stmetured to provide opportunities to leam about Georgia’s animal populations and habitats, including real-world examples and practical applications of the lessons presented. Faculty and staff including Kris Irwin, Michel Kohl, Jay Shelton, James Johnson, NickFuhrman, Adam Edge, Holly Campbell and Triston Hansford were cmcial to the success of the camp’s pilot week. Campers spent two days on UGA’s Athens campus performing tree and wildlife identification, using trail cameras to leam about mammals in the area, flying drones, touring deer bams and aquaculture labs, setting up leaf litter traps in streams, and attending a session on herpetology. At Rock Eagle 4-H Center, campers dissected owl pellets, went on an owl prowl, sampled fish and macroinvertebrates through electrofishing and seining, tracked wildlife using geographic information system (GIS) technology and telemetry, and building birdhouses and bee hotels. The UGA Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, part of the UGA Tifton campus, facilitated a workshop about invasive species. Kasey Bozeman, UGA Cooperative Extension specialist for 4-H science programs, said the partnership with UGA faculty gives campers a college-level learning experience. “It’s inspiring that Wamell’s expert faculty and staff chose to share their knowledge and passion with the next generation of scientists,” Bozeman said. “Perhaps now more than ever, research- based youth educational programs related to our natural resources are critical to our society’s success.” The camp, open to 4-H’ers in ninth through 12th grades, was application based and 12 youth from 10 counties were selected to attend the camp’s inaugural session. Student feedback about the camp was overwhelmingly positive, said Bozeman, adding that Georgia 4-H hopes to continue the camp during the 2024 summer season. “The 2023 Natural Resources Exploration Camp was an outstanding experience for all involved,” said Irwin, who serves as both associate dean for outreach and Extension senior public service associate at Wamell. “The camp would not have been possible without the leadership and logistical support provided by the Georgia 4-H faculty and staff. The success of the camp was also the result of a collaborative effort between 4-H and our school’s faculty.” Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become tme leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches hundreds of thousands of people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities. For more information on Natural Resource Exploration Camp and other activities, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit georgia4h.org. evrolet Equinox Premier 64K miles Learner Heated & Cooled Seats WAC $424/ a month Kia Sorento L 79K Miles Fuel Efficient w/ 3rd Row WAC $359/ a month 2020 FordFusion SEL 46K Miles Leather Rear View Camera WAC $385 a month Dodge Journey Crossroad 74K miles leather upgraded wheels WAC $339/ a month 16 CMC Sierra and Dual Exhaust WAC $433/ a month payments calculated at 72 months wit] 7.99 APR and $1750 cash down www. SylvaniaF ord.com 330 Frontage Rd. W * Sylvania, GA 30467 l —131 r _ 1 * ■*Wm k#v- L—i V: J- E 4 f* ’— r ~B
