Written By: Andrew Behrmann
Scouting has afforded me many rewarding and fun opportunities – from advancing to Eagle Scout, becoming a leader and participating in numerous high adventure experiences. But the pinnacle of them all has been leading a pair of conservation projects at Winthrop University over more than two years, to complete the Distinguished Conservation Service Award (formerly know as the Hornaday Award).
Through this experience I learned from more than a dozen experts – including Winthrop biology faculty, SC Department of Natural Resources biologists, and experts with the Catawba Nation – to apply the scientific method to improve the habitat for native species in and around the Winthrop University Lake. Applying knowledge learned through various nature and conservation merit badges, I researched conservation concerns in that environment, researched options, implemented potential solutions, monitored results and adjusted the intervention plans accordingly. And much differently than conducting an experiment in a lab, we had to balance our desired plans to maximize the conservation efforts with the needs of other users in the space, like the disc golf community.
I am thankful that Scouting has provided me this opportunity for real-world biology and conservation research. This long-term emersion into scientific research has reinforced my desire to study these topics in college, with a specific focus on genetics and genomics. Special thanks to Winthrop University, all of the experts who informed me along the way, and the Palmetto Council Conservation Committee which supported me along this process.
