As the days get longer and we look to our next Scouting adventure, it’s an ideal time to think spring by planning Troop Conservation events. Many local organizations have events for Arbor Day, Earth Day, or Spring Clean-up that would benefit from scouting units participating. Partnering with local groups makes the planning easier, and brings Scouting to new audiences. Earth Day is Saturday, April 22 and Arbor Day is Friday, April 28.
New York State has set May 6 as “2023 I Love My Park Day.” Many State Parks and DEC facilities host events to clean up parks and shorelines, plant trees and gardens, restore trails and wildlife habitat, remove invasive species, and work on various site improvement projects--all which help to prepare our iconic state park system and public lands for the start of the season.
To find a location near you go to https://www.ptny.org/events/i-love-my-park-day, or contact your local State Park office. If camping is available, the parks may waive the overnight fee for groups working that weekend.
Community service time in these type of conservation projects may apply toward Life Rank Requirement 4, National Outdoor Achievement Award (Conservation) Requirement 4, Paul Bunyan Award Requirement 7, and/or World Conservation Award Requirement 4.
Units and individual scouts (Youth and Adult) may also be recognized with the Conservation Good Turn Award for participation.
“Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.” Aldo Leopold
