Shown are, from left: Adam Lanier, Brian Kirkland and Justin Lanier who recently attended the 44th annual Natural Resources Conservation Workshop held in Cochran. (Photo contributed)

The 44th annual Natural Resources Conservation Workshop was held Sunday, June 26, through Friday, July 1, at Middle Georgia College (MGC) in Cochran.

The workshop was enjoyed by 141 Georgia high school students from throughout the state. They attended the week’s activities of field trips and classroom functions with opportunities to earn college scholarships at the end of the week.

Workshop director Britt Parker said, "This is an excellent opportunity for high school students interested in our environment and natural resources to learn more of their value and protection. Many students make decisions toward a career or area of study in college because of their involvement in this workshop."

Instruction and hands-on activities were led by professionals from the Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Georgia Mining Association. Twelve different core subjects were covered: Wildlife Law Enforcement, Wildlife Management, Soil Conservation, Backyard Conservation, Coastal Resources/Fisheries, Conservation Engineering, Understanding Soils, Rediscovering Georgia’s Water Resources, Natural Resources "Hot Issues," Forest Protection, Forest Management and Mining/Conservation.

Adam Lanier, Justin Lanier and Brian Kirkland, who attended this year’s workshop, were sponsored by the Brier Creek Soil and Water Conservation District. Local Soil and Water Conservation District supervisors in Jenkins County are W. Elbert Burke and John Thomas Herrington.

A quiz was given on the last day of the workshop, which covered the core subjects. Ten college scholarships worth $9,125, with $250 cash and plaques, were given to the students with the highest scores. Scholarships were provided by the Georgia Association of Conservation District Supervisors, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Foundation, Georgia Chapter American Public Works, Georgia Mining Association, Natural Resources Conservation Workshop Scholarship Fund, the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District and the David W. Dykes Scholarship Fund.