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The whole gang celebrating Smokey's birthday at the Texas Forestry Museum in Lufkin
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The campers enjoyed their last days here at YLINC.
Saturday was largely a day freed up so that they can enjoy the weather, the kayaking, and the fun of camping on the shores of Lake Sam Rayburn, although we did stop by the Texas Forestry Museum to wish Smokey Bear happy 70th birthday! Woodsy Owl also gave him well wishes, and the students got to explore what life was like in the times when trees were being felled all over East Texas.
The students reflected on their time at camp and evaluated their experiences, and overwhelmingly said it was a life changing one.
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Woodsy Owl taking a Canoe ride on Lake Sam Rayburn
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On Sunday, the students packed up and said goodbye. Each camper received a certificate, awarding them for the unique way they contributed to the Youth Leadership in Nature Challenge of Summer 2014.
Their very last stop was Scott's Ridge Day Use Recreation Area in the Sam Houston National Forest. Ten years ago, Scott's Ridge was only a boat ramp, with hundreds of Latino families gathered around it every weekend. One young master's student did her thesis on the efficacy of a program that could reach out to the Spanish speaking community with messages of conservation and stewardship. Soon she was handing out trash bags, talking about litter and the National Forest System and getting Spanish speakers involved in the environment. That research project led to the growth of Latino Legacy, which led to the creation of the Friends of the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, as well as the designation of Scott's Ridge as a day use area.
That master's student was Tamberly Conway, who has been a tornado of support and enthusiasm since FNFGT began. We thank her for all her support from the bottom of our hearts, and we are glad we have her as a friend.
That master's student was Tamberly Conway, who has been a tornado of support and enthusiasm since FNFGT began. We thank her for all her support from the bottom of our hearts, and we are glad we have her as a friend.
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One last bit of natural relaxation at Scott's Ridge Day Use Area.
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Stay tuned to this blog for more updates on FNFGT's projects, events and volunteer opportunities, and thank you for being a loyal reader!
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