Natural Resources Careers Camp Gives Students a Hands-On Look at Conservation Careers

Registration for next year’s camp begins October 1, 2026

State Forester Anne Hairston-Strang, who attended the camp as a high school student, talks with campers during the 2026 Natural Resources Careers Camp. Photo by Sam Crane, Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Maryland’s 2026 Natural Resources Careers Camp (NRCC) took place from July 19–25 at the Hickory Environmental Education Center in Garrett County where campers learned directly from professionals through field exercises, demonstrations, and visits to working landscapes.

“The purpose of the camp is to give high school students an opportunity to explore careers in natural resources, with a focus on forestry,” Camp Director Will Williams said. “Students meet resource professionals who are eager to share their advice and experiences. Many of those presenters attended NRCC themselves as high school students.”

Throughout the week, campers explored subjects including forest ecology and management, wildlife habitat, fisheries, water quality, tree identification, and the forest products industry.

Natural Resources Careers Camp 2026 participants received certificates recognizing their completion of the program with their assigned groups on July 25 at Hickory Environmental Education Center. Photo by Sam Crane, Maryland DNR

“You get all these different connections, and the knowledge people give you is incredible,” camper Harlee Yackanicz said. “You’re also getting hands-on experiences. I knew what a sawmill did, but I had never seen one before, so seeing it helped me put the pieces together.”

Campers learned about the educational paths and skills needed for careers in conservation at the annual weeklong residential camp. Campers aged 16 or older could also earn two college credits from Allegany College of Maryland by completing an optional exam at the end of camp. 

The experience culminated in a forest-management project that asked campers to apply what they had learned. Working in teams, students evaluated a forested property and developed recommendations that considered forest health, wildlife habitat, landowner goals, and other management priorities. Teams presented their plans to a panel of natural resources professionals and their parents on the last day of camp.

Yackanicz encouraged other students to give the experience a chance.

“Even if you don’t love being outside all the time, come try it out, because you never know until you try,” she said. “The connections you’ll make, the learning you’ll have, and the opportunities—it’s worth a try.”

Students interested in attending NRCC in 2027 can register online through the Maryland Forestry Foundation website beginning October 1. Any Maryland residents interested in forestry can also connect with their local Forestry Board to get involved in their communities and learn about classes, volunteer activities, and other opportunities offered by their county board.

The camp is supported through a partnership involving the Maryland Forestry Foundation, Maryland Forestry Boards, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Allegany College of Maryland, and other organizations and professionals involved in forestry and conservation. Forestry Boards also help recruit, interview, mentor, and sponsor students from their communities.