2024 Natural Resources High School Program
Date: July 22–26, 2024
Location: SDSU Oak Lake Field Station
Registration Due: Wednesday, May 31, 2024
What is Natural Resources High School Program?
The Natural Resources High School Program is a great way to gain exposure to the world of natural resources, including fish, plants, wildlife, soils, invertebrates and water. The Program offers opportunities to gain hands-on experiences in natural resource ecology and management. The Program is intended for high school students, entering grades 9, 10, 11 and 12, who have a strong desire to learn more about the natural world or who have an interest in pursuing a career related to natural resources. Permission of parent or guardian is required.
Activities will be led by SDSU Department of Natural Resource Management faculty and graduate students. We will also have biologists personnel from natural resource agencies.
Possible Activities
We are still finalizing this year's schedule of activities. In past years, activities have included:
- Bird identification
- Lake ecology
- Pollinator diversity
- Camera trapping
- Archery
- Radio telemetry
- Small mammal trapping
- Reptile trapping and ecology
- Careers in natural resources
The final list of activities is subject to change based on weather conditions or other unforeseen issues. We may also add more activities! Check in will be early-afternoon on Monday and check out will be before noon on Friday.
Where is the Program?
Natural Resources High School Program is held at SDSU Oak Lake Field Station. It is located 22 miles northeast of the SDSU Campus near Astoria in Brookings County, South Dakota. The field station bunkhouse consists of two large bunk rooms (female and male quarters) and a central commons area. The field station also has a shower house, outdoor and indoor sinks, flush toilets and outhouses, and a dining hall. Oak Lake Field Station staff will be on-site at all times to supervise student activities.
Program Rules, Policies and Code of Conduct
What should I bring?
Attendees must bring comfortable shoes, and/or boots. If you have muck boots or waders, bring those too! When spending the day outdoors, it is best to bring a backpack with field supplies and essential personal items, such as water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, jacket, pencils, a notebook and snacks. View the packing list.
Registration
The registration fee ($300) includes meals, housing and a t-shirt. Gatorade and water will also be provided.
Space is limited to 20 males and 20 females and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please complete the following online registration form by Friday, May 31, 2024. There are two options for payment when registering;
- Non-refundable $75 pre-registration fee.
- Full registration fee of $300.
Online payments must be made at the time of registration. If you pay by check, we recommend sending either the pre-registration fee or the full amount as soon as possible as we cannot guarantee we can hold a spot without payment. The remaining balance will be due one month prior to the start date of the activity (June 22, 2024).
Checks payable to NR HS Program
SDSU Natural Resource Management
Attn: NR HS Program Coordinator
Box 2140B
Brookings, SD 57007
Questions?
Contact us:
NRM Email
605-688-6121
Financial Aids
South Dakota Lakes and Streams Association is offering generous financial aids for the Program registration fee ($300). Please visit the Association's Facebook and enter to win a chance.