Make Plans to ATTEND in 2014
High DesertYouth Range Camp June 18-21, 2014 Northern Great Basin Experimental Range near Burns, Oregon
Open to ALL High School Students Oregon is a dynamic and diverse state with unique ecosystem landscapes. The High Desert is throughout the Great Basin region in much of Eastern Oregon. It is critical that all who utilize this vast area understand and appreciate the landscape and the resources. Decisions regarding the health and management of our natural resources are more critical than ever. Attend the High Desert Youth Range Camp (HDYRC) to learn about these resources in a fun and exciting
Top 6 Reasons to Attend! 6. Learn-by-doing for rangeland management practices. 5. Find out about the current issues affecting our rangelands. 4. Enjoy the outdoors in a beautiful part of Oregon. 3. Network with other students and professionals working in the field of range science, soil science, ecology and wildlife biology. 2. Earn college credit and discover the educational options awaiting you after high school to pursue an education and career in rangeland or natural resource fields. 1. Top Camper will earn the opportunity to attend the Society of Range Management (SRM) high school student forum and represent the state of Oregon, for free!
Camp Basics Scholarships Available! Submit your application: Students can be from Oregon, Washington or Idaho and must be in grades 9-12 at time of application. Students will be selected based upon their application. Space is limited. Cost: The cost is $175 per camper and is inclusive of all meals, transportation and materials at camp. Scholarships are available (total of $125/each) from local organizations.
Applications
Applications will be available online at https:// www.facebook.com/HDYRC For more information contact Brenda Smith at Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center brenda.smith@oregonstate.edu or 541 573- 4084
College Credit Upon successful completion of range camp, students will earn college credit at Treasure Valley Community College free of charge!
Awards
Top camper will be awarded an all expense paid trip to the Society of Range Management high school youth forum in Sacramento, CA— February 2015. Range camp offers other great prizes and special awards!
Where is the HDYRC held? The Northern Great Basin Experimental Range (NGBER) is about 35 miles west of Burns, OR and encompasses more than 16,000 acres. The rangeland is used by researchers investigating how to improve rangeland for livestock production and enhancing wildlife habitat. NGBER supports a variety of plant communities including western juniper, sagebrush and many of the grasses and forbs common to northern Great Basin rangelands.
What’s going on at Range Camp?
Campers get to experience all planned activities out on the rangeland at NGBER. Activities during range camp emphasize learn-by doing. We hike to our sites and enjoy being outside to make our investigations on rangelands firsthand. Be prepared for being outside, with good shoes or boots, sunscreen, hats, rain gear, insect repellent, etc. Campers sleep in individual tents, with separate camping areas for women and men. Details on arrangements are made once the student is selected to participate in the camp. Since we will be outdoors in tents, campers must be prepared for conditions– rain or shine! There are indoor restrooms and showers available. Campers work together in teams. Everyone will assist with daily chores around camp based upon a rotating schedule.
The DAILY agenda! Wednesday June 18: Welcome to the Rangeland!
Introductions, Expectations and Camp Orientation Setting up Team Management Areas Team Building and Leadership The Secret Life of Sagebrush Soils and Everything that Grows in Them Around the Campfire Fun and Activities—Night time Navigation
Thursday, June 19: Getting out on the Land
The Amazing Plants of the High Desert Mapping—All about finding your way on the Rangeland Sagebrush Ecosystems—What to Manage & How to Manage? Invasive Weeds—How they Change the Management Picture Around the Campfire Fun and Activities –Dutch Oven Cooking
Friday, June 20: Getting out on the Land
Juniper Ecosystems—How Fire Affects the Land Wildlife the High Desert Ecosystems Support Livestock on the Rangeland How well did you learn your plants? Around the Campfire Fun and Activities– Critters who Work at Night
Saturday, June 21: The Final Fun
Hike to the Butte! Rangeland Management Plans by Teams Closing Ceremonies: Awards and Thank You’s— Families are Welcome to join us for Awards
For more information: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/EOARC/range-camp or www.facebook.com/HDYRC We welcome your participation! Applications are due May 1, 2014 Students, please submit a completed application and a letter of recommendation. Range Camp Staff and Instructors include: Anna-Marie Chamberlain, Adrian High School ▪ Brenda Smith, ARS Burns Kirk Davies, ARS Burns ▪ Chad Boyd, ARS Burns ▪ Matt Madsen, ARS Burns ▪ Marcus Nichols, Treasure Valley CC, Ontario ▪ Tony Svejcar, ARS Burns ▪ John Bates, ARS Burns ▪ Lori Ziegenhagen, ARS Burns ▪ Jarod Lemos, ARS Burns ▪ Sandy Porter, Treasure Valley CC, Ontario ▪ Dustin Johnson, OSU Harney Co. Extension ▪ Jay Kerby, The Nature Conservancy, Burns ▪ Roxane Bailey, Hines Middle School ▪ Amy Smith, Burns High School ▪ Amanda Gearhart, Univ. of Idaho Coop. Extension Karen Moon, Harney Co. Watershed Council ▪ Angie Ketscher, Burns, OR
Dylan Howell, La Grande, OR was selected top 2013 camper to attend the 2014 Youth Forum in Orlando, Fl sponsored by: Society of Range Management Pacific Northwest Section
Questions? ...Contact:
Brenda Smith Eastern Or. Ag. Research Center 541-573-4084 brenda.smith@oregonstate.edu