CSC hosts Youth Range Camp
CHADRON – Chadron State College hosted 22 high school students from across Nebraska at the 61st Annual Nebraska Youth Range Camp June 9-12. According to Tevyn Pieper, project coordinator with the Sandhills Task Force and a camp co-director, the camp provided students with an intensive, hands-on learning experience, focusing on a diverse array of topics essential for sustainable rangeland stewardship.
During the camp, participants engaged in educational sessions and practical applications designed to deepen their understanding of ecological principles and management techniques.
Pieper said the camp featured presentations about critical aspects of plant physiology, soil health, and ecological sites, providing a biological basis for understanding rangeland ecosystems. Participants also learned how to identify at least 40 local plants through hands-on work. Speakers addressed contemporary challenges, including cedar encroachment and prescribed burning. Discussions focused on practical management strategies about grazing systems, stocking rates, and ranch economics. To highlight biodiversity and ecological balance, students also learned about rangeland insects, wildlife, and birds.
Recreational events throughout the week included games and a Range Camp rodeo. Range Camp culminated with a comprehensive exam covering speaker presentation topics, and a final Range Judging contest allowed students to demonstrate their acquired knowledge of plant ID and ecological sites.
Category: Campus News, Range Management