Montgomery County Maryland Forestry Board

Montgomery County Forest Conservancy
District Board

Natural Resources Careers Conference

Join high school students and professionals from across Maryland to explore future
careers and college studies in natural resources…

Natural Resources Careers Conference (NRCC)

Sunday, July 25 - Saturday, July 31, 2010

Hickory Environmental Education Center in Garrett County, Maryland

Presented by:
Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy District Boards and
Maryland Forestry Boards Foundation
in partnership with Allegany College of Maryland and
Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources - Forest Service

Join field professionals and high school students from across the state for seven days of intense instruction and fun at the Hickory Environmental Education Center in Garrett County, Maryland.

Natural resource professionals and dedicated volunteers have developed the extensive and relevant curriculum. Traditional Forestry will be the main focus of this educational experience with the inclusion of GIS and GPS technology. Urban Forestry and Watershed ecology are also emphasized.

High School students, who have reached age 16 by the first day of NRCC week, may choose to earn two college credits (fee required) from Allegany College of Maryland. To be eligible, students must attend the entire week, complete a short exam, and present a team management plan. The credits will transfer to most community colleges in Maryland and several four year colleges and universities.

This co-educational conference provides a real opportunity for high school students interested in a career in Natural Resources to learn from industry professionals and develop contacts that could lead to future employment and a career in natural resources.

Immerse yourself in foretsry, wildlife, ecology, fisheries, watershed management, natural resources management and conservation through hands-on field and classroom exercises.
Use GIS, GPS, computer simulation, and other field tools related to careers in natural resources.
Opt for college credit in beginning forestry (fee required).
Be eligible for three $500 college scholarships designated for forestry, arboriculture, urban forestry and natural resources.
Talk with natural resource professionals and learn about college programs offered in these fields.
Stay in rustic cabins in the scenic mountains of Garrett County.

How to Apply

Please follow these steps to apply by April 30, 2010:

1.   Complete the NRCC Application Form downloaded from the website
       (http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/download/nrcc_2010_application_form.pdf) after determining that you are available to
       attend the NRCC in western Maryland the entire week of the program. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Late
       applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis if there are still openings to fill.

2. Contact your local Forestry Board to show your interest in applying and for more information. Find the contact info for
       all 24 Maryland Forestry Boards at www.mdforest.sailorsite.net. In addition, students from bordering states (DC, DE, PA,
       VA, WV) are welcome to apply and will be interviewed by the nearest local Forestry Board.

3.   Mail the completed application with two letters of reference to your local County/City Forestry Board or to:
      NRCC
      Maryland Forest Service
      130 McKinneytown Road
      North East, MD 21901

4. Prepare for a brief interview with representatives of your local Forestry Board. Each Board selects its applicants.

5.   The 2010 fee for attending NRCC is $350 plus a $100 student activity fee. Maryland Forestry Boards offer generous
       scholarships. Your local Forestry Board will give you details about their scholarships.

6. You will be notified of acceptance beginning in early June.

Visit the website for application details:
www.mdforest.sailorsite.net
or
www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/nrcareersconf.html