“A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.”
– ALDO LEOPOLD’S LAND ETHIC

Conservationist Aldo Leopold once said, “Every youth needs an occasional wilderness trip.” Last June, the Natural Land Institute helped send fifteen youngsters, ages 12 – 15, on wilderness trips of their own. 

Campers enrolled in this year’s Conservation Camp learned firsthand what it means to be a conservationist.  Campers spent six hours each day learning everything from the ecosystems of northern Illinois, to soil science, to canoe safety on one of the oxbow ponds at the Nygren Wetland Preserve. 

“This was a great opportunity for the campers,” said Garrett Ingham, age 17, a volunteer at this year’s Conservation Camp. “They were learning and having fun. Kids never stop learning when they’re outside.” 

But Conservation Camp was more than just a lecture on nature. Heavily influenced by Aldo Leopold’s “Land Ethic,” Conservation Camp was designed to introduce youngsters to the ethics behind land conservation as well as its Conservation Camp Brings Youngsters, Nature, Ethics Together practical applications.

“One of the great things about Conservation Camp is that it opened kids’ minds and hearts so that they can form their own ethics,” says Don Miller of Severson Dells Nature Center.  “Kids need to realize that everything is connected and that nature has intrinsic value. That can’t happen by reading books or watching TV. Kids need to experience the wonders of the natural world for themselves.” 

This summer marked the second year of Conservation Camp and the Natural Land Institute’s continuing commitment to educating our youth about the importance of protecting land. Our partners in this project were the Rockford Park District, Paddle and Trail adventure outfitters, Winnebago County Soil and Water Conservation District,  Severson Dells Nature Center, Nicholson Lawn and Garden, and Pheasants Forever.