At PA URSIDS, the black bear serves as a springboard to learn about biology, ecology, habitat and bear management. After field school, armed with knowledge, leadership skills, and the support of Academy staff, students return to their communities to serve as Conservation Ambassadors.
Below are a few highlights of the PA Ursids field school curriculum.
PLANT COLLECTIONS
Students learn how to identify plants that are important to bear as well as how to preserve and create a collection.
BEAR PROCESSING
If a bear is captured, led by PA Game Commission staff, students have the opportunity to observe biological data we collect from the bear and learn about the importance of this data for understanding bear biology.
RANGE TIME
Students learn the role of hunting in wildlife management and spend time at the range learning about firearms safety and engaging in target shooting.
LEARNING FROM EXPERTS
All week long, students engage with professionals in the conservation field including individuals from the PA Game Commission, PA DCNR, and more! Dr. Gary Alt, now retired, spent 22 years running the PGC’s black bear program and also serves as an instructor.
FIELD TECHNIQUES
Students learn about bear field capture tools and techniques and how these techniques are used to understand population size.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Students also prepare to become Conservation Ambassadors in their home communities through leadership skill development by engaging in mock town hall meetings, group presentations and team building exercises.
Explore some more!
Check out sample lectures and browse through the highlight videos below to explore the ins and outs of field school!
PA URSIDS
THE DETAILS
FIELD SCHOOL DATES
July 23-27, 2024
FIELD SCHOOL LOCATION
Madisonburg, PA
At PA URSIDS, the black bear serves as a springboard to learn about biology, ecology, habitat and bear management. After field school, armed with knowledge, leadership skills, and the support of Academy staff, students return to their communities to serve as Conservation Ambassadors.
Below are a few highlights of the PA Ursids field school curriculum.
PLANT COLLECTIONS
Students learn how to identify plants that are important to bear as well as how to preserve and create a collection.
BEAR PROCESSING
If a bear is captured, led by PA Game Commission staff, students have the opportunity to observe biological data we collect from the bear and learn about the importance of this data for understanding bear biology.
RANGE TIME
Students learn the role of hunting in wildlife management and spend time at the range learning about firearms safety and engaging in target shooting.
LEARNING FROM EXPERTS
All week long, students engage with professionals in the conservation field including individuals from the PA Game Commission, PA DCNR, and more! Dr. Gary Alt, now retired, spent 22 years running the PGC’s black bear program and also serves as an instructor.
FIELD TECHNIQUES
Students learn about bear field capture tools and techniques and how these techniques are used to understand population size.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Students also prepare to become Conservation Ambassadors in their home communities through leadership skill development by engaging in mock town hall meetings, group presentations and team building exercises.
Explore some more!
Check out sample lectures and browse through the highlight videos below to explore the ins and outs of field school!
Are you ready to take the next step?
Apply today to become a Conservation Ambassador !