The Louisiana Wildlife Federation’s sixth cohort of EV-CLC college students attended the primary of three in-person coaching periods from October 31 to November 2 on the Louisiana Ecological Forestry Heart at Hodges Gardens. Established in 2018, EV-CLC prepares undergraduate college students from throughout Louisiana to turn out to be the subsequent era of conservation leaders.
Amid the longleaf pines the place the historic Hodges Gardens as soon as stood, college students spent the weekend studying from conservation advocates, scientists, and practitioners. LWF board member Zac Burson opened with a dialogue on how on a regular basis outdoor lovers can affect conservation once they select to talk up for the locations they love. Dr. Virginia Burkett, USGS Emeritus, adopted with an attractive presentation on the impacts of world local weather change on Louisiana’s future. LWF board member and U.S. Forest Service wildlife biologist Jonny Fryar additionally shared insights into profession pathways within the Forest Service and the Kisatchie Nationwide Forest.
College students toured the Louisiana Ecological Forestry Heart, noticed energetic habitat restoration, and even noticed a Purple Cockaded Woodpecker within the pines. This was an thrilling spotlight of the weekend.
Christopher Hill mirrored, “Rising up in southwest Louisiana, I needed to make a larger influence in defending our ecosystems. Listening to from this weekend’s presenters confirmed me that with coaching and expertise, anybody can assist drive significant change.”
The subsequent EV-CLC session will happen in Baton Rouge, the place college students will concentrate on coastal points and proceed constructing expertise in advocacy, communication, and management.
LWF congratulates the 15 college students chosen for this yr’s cohort. Their dedication and enthusiasm mirror a brand new era that is able to champion Louisiana’s wildlife, water, and habitats for years to return.
This yr’s Edgar Veillon Conservation Management Corps college students are:
- Christopher (Package) Hill — Baton Rouge Group Faculty
- Dustin Milam — South LA Group Faculty
- Ferdand (FJ) Derouen — LSU-Eunice
- Franchesca Ruiz — LSU
- Geremiah Perkins — Baton Rouge Group Faculty
- Jesse Mehaffey — Baton Rouge Group Faculty
- Jessica (Micah) Poole — Northwestern State
- Johnnie Bernard — UNO
- Katie Mahl — UL-Lafayette
- Mishanti Johnson — Southern College
- Nevaeh Barriere — LSU
- Nia Sampson — LSU
- Rachel Abbott — LSU
- Shelbe Trapp — LA Tech
- NgocMai (Maria) Vu — LSU
