Ecology & Conservation

We Make It Easy to Be Green

The Ecology and Conservation area helps to promote a Scout’s knowledge and understanding of the natural environment around him.  Scouting has always been committed to the “green” initiatives which are so critical to our communities and nation.

In the Ecology program, Scouts get to study natural habitats, climate, and the effects of human activity on wildlife and natural resources.  Through hands-on experimentation and analysis participants gain a greater appreciation for the world around them.  In addition, the Ecology merit badge program exposes Scouts to numerous opportunities for career exploration in the field of conservation and the natural sciences.

There are more merit badges offered in the Ecology and Conservation area than any other program at Rotary Scout Reservation.  Many of these badges, including Environmental Science, Forestry, Geology, Nature, Oceanography, Pulp & Paper, Soil & Water Conservation and Weather are all regularly scheduled in the daily merit badge program.

Additionally, Astronomy, Bird Study, Fish & Wildlife Management, Insect Study, Plant Science, and Reptile & Amphibian Study may be undertaken with a counselor during open merit badge time.  Many of these latter badges require long term study which is not possible in the one week-long camp period, but can be completed if the Scout reviews the requirements and completes certain prerequisites before his or her arrival at camp.  Please speak to the Ecology & Conservation Director if you wish to work on one of these unscheduled badges.

RSR Nature Trail

Rotary Scout Reservation has a wonderful, and educational, self-guided Nature Trail.  The trail was developed by Assistant Ranger, and former Ecology Director, Ed Keilen.  Using the guide below, Scouts can follow the numbered markers to learn more about local flora and fauna.

Download the RSR Nature Trail Guide.

Plant Identification: 10 Local Plants

Assistant  Ranger Ed Keilen recorded this presentation of Local Plant Identification.  Viewing the diversity of plants found around the camp office, Scouts can learn more about plant identification for their rank advancement requirements.  For more detailed information about the plants identified in the video, please see the Google slide deck available here.