Help Launch Conservation Education in Ohio High Schools

I would like to introduce you to Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation's new educational program, and ask for your help launching it in high schools in your community.

Do you have kids in high school who might like conservation-based curriculum? Or can you connect us with a school administrator in your area? If so, we’d love your help expanding this program across Ohio. Let us know using this form.

How It Started

I was a high school science teacher in Ohio for 10 years, and I started a program called Conservation Adventures to offer school-based clubs and courses that engaged students in conservation and the outdoor recreation that funds conservation: hunting, fishing, trapping, shooting sports and boating.

Long story short, the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation adopted the program and brought me on to build it in schools across the state. We are launching this program with the financial support and guidance of our friends at the Ohio Division of Wildlife to ensure high school students have the opportunities to learn about what goes into wildlife conservation.

About Conservation Adventures Classes

As a science teacher, I was often asked to develop new science course options to help fulfill graduation requirements for students who were not interested in traditional courses. I understood the need, but did not have the time to develop a new course.

That’s no longer an issue, as we have created a turnkey curriculum for teachers to implement! We are currently offering two conservation-based high school courses for the 2021-22 school year, which means district approval will likely be needed by this October (depending on each district’s deadline).

The two courses are: Conservation Science and the History of Conservation.

Conservation Science:

This course provides hands-on, active student participation in the practical application of scientific principles related to wildlife, conservation and outdoor recreational activities. Students will build an understanding of science content and learn scientific techniques taught through the lens of conservation, with an emphasis on real world activities.

The curriculum will center on the outdoor recreational activities that financially support the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, such as hunting, fishing, conservation work, shooting sports and boating; and how they directly benefit habitat enhancement and protection, and all wildlife management, including game, non-game and endangered species.

The History of Conservation:

The United States has some of the most abundant and healthy wildlife in the world. But how did this success story occur? Students will explore and engage with the history of conservation across the globe. The course will explore the massive loss of wildlife and habitat that occurred in the 19th century, the birth of the conservation movement that dramatically changed the future at the turn of the century, and specifically highlight the progression of conservation efforts in the U.S. from pre-colonial to present day.

The goal is to instill a comprehensive understanding of the conservation issues that have developed in the past, how the current wildlife conservation model developed over time (including key legislation) and the current issues and solutions that conservation is addressing today.

These two new exciting classes will fulfill science, social studies or elective credits required for graduation.

What Can You do To Help

As a community member and/or parent, you likely know administrators, teachers and school board members who would be interested in this program. Can you help make an introduction for us? If you could fill out this short form and let us know who we should reach out to in those schools, it would be greatly appreciated.

The program has been very well received by the schools we are currently working with, but it is vital to find the proper contact person. After you submit the form, we will keep you apprised of when we reach out to your contacts.

Thank you in advance for you time and interest, it is greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions about Conservation Adventures, the curriculum or school contacts, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation.