BELCOURT, N.D.-Students from across the region came together June 25 at the Anishinabe Learning, Cultural, and Wellness Center for a hands-on introduction to conservation. Hosted by Rolette County Soil Conservation District and the Anishinabe Center—with support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)—the event offered interactive learning grounded in cultural and environmental stewardship and featured interactive learning stations led by NRCS staff and natural resource professionals.

Following a welcome from Mark Hamley and Michelle Short-Azure, students rotated through six learning stations, each lasting 25 minutes, highlighting soils, wetlands, engineering, rangeland, wildlife and tree identification.

Presenters included:

• Adam Flaagan, NRCS Tribal Liaison for Spirit Lake Nation, and Stephanie Baker, Soil Conservationist-Bottineau Field Office, demonstrated soil science.
• Rebecca Watkins, Natural Resources Specialist-Rugby Field Office, led wetland exploration.
• Jeff Desjarlais, NRCS Tribal Liaison for Turtle Mountain, shared wildlife insights.
• Beth Miller, North Dakota Forest Service, introduced students to native tree species.
• Yolanda Schmidt, Rangeland Management Specialist Rugby Field Office, presented on range management.
• Dan Julson, NRCS Civil Engineer, and Tory Nygaard, Engineering Technician-Devils Lake Field Office, covered engineering concepts.

The day camp was designed to foster environmental awareness and stewardship among youth by integrating science, cultural knowledge and interactive learning in a natural setting.

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