FIRST-EVER SUMMER CONSERVATION CAMP AT GANONDAGAN OFFERS UNIQUE NICHE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING
Indiegogo Campaign Seeks to Raise Funds for campers from low-income families
Victor, NY—Last spring and summer’s invasive plant eradication project at Ganondagan State Historic Site literally has blossomed, and now includes a first-ever Conservation Camp this summer from July 8-11 at Ganondagan (1488 State Rte 444, Victor). Open to high school students age 16 and older, the camp is designed for those contemplating a career or major in the environmental sciences as well as students with a love of science or general interest in the outdoors.
No other program in the region exists that introduces high school students to the field exercises of environmental science and conservation, and offers them guidance on topics of higher education from both professionals and peers. Adolescents, especially those living in urban areas, may lack the opportunities to experience an outdoor setting like Ganondagan. The Conservation Camp hopes to offer free enrollment to low-income students from multiple city schools. In order to do so, an Indiegogo Campaign is in process with a goal of $3,000 with the potential to fund more than a dozen students. The first deadline for the campaign is February 8. To participate, visit: www.indiegogo.com/projects/ganondagan-conservation-program.
With hands-on inquiry based learning, camp participants will develop many field skills and techniques. These include minimizing invasive species and having a positive impact on the environment; learning how special equipment and up-to-date technology aids in conservation; gaining an appreciation for Ganondagan and other natural areas in the NYS Park systems; and discovering how the original Seneca people encouraged the process of natural succession and endurance of their native grasslands.
Run by the Friends of Ganondagan, the Conservation Camp will cap at 30 students, and registration is open now through April 30. Camp hours are 9 am to 5 pm for all four days, and the $175 fee includes lunch. For those interested in extended hours—8 am -5:30 pm, including breakfast—the fee is $205.
Whitney Carleton—the New York State Parks and Recreation aide dedicated to Ganondagan since 2013—will be the camp director. Whitney has a master’s degree from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Wetland and Watershed Resources. Her staff counselors will be science students from local colleges and universities, with guest college professors and field professionals from the NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation presenting topical research.
For complete information, including brochures and registration form, visit www.ganondagan.org/Events-Programs/Ganondagan-Conservation-Camp or call (585) 924-5848. Printed brochure materials have been generously donated by St. Pauly Textile.
