Planting a Seed for the Future: NWTF Ohio Helps Grow Future Conservationists

Camp Canopy was originally established in 1950 as a forestry camp, which it remained for many years. Around 20 years ago, it became the Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp, which was then renamed Camp Canopy, symbolizing that young adults are learning about forest management, wildlife management and everything else under the canopy of the forest. 

“We have a tremendous partnership with our Ohio Division of Wildlife and Division of Forestry, partnering on many projects each year,” said Matt McDermott, Ohio NWTF State Chapter president. “But this event is really one of my favorites. They teach and inspire youth to understand and appreciate the forests around us. That is why it has been a pleasure for the Ohio State Board to consistently help fund the camp each year.” 

The Ohio NWTF State Chapter has also donated a JAKES membership and additional funds to help with the operation of the camp. 

“Our slogan is ‘Discover forestry, discover wildlife, discover adventure,’” said Jeremy Scherf, co-director of Camp Canopy and Ohio DNR forester. “Over the years, 10,000 kids have attended. I attended the camp in the early 90s and many of my staff attended and went on to become foresters and wildlife biologists.” 

The camp allows high school students to delve into educational activities and gain hands-on experiences in forestry and wildlife. As camp progresses over the course of the week, campers use the knowledge and experience they gain to take the next step in understanding how it all fits into the bigger picture. By the end of camp week, they’re experts on Ohio’s great outdoors. 

The camp is also a great opportunity for kids to learn more about natural resources management. Being outdoors allows the young attendees to disconnect from technology and get outside, which is something that may be lacking in their lives these days. New friendships that last a lifetime are built at camp as well. 

“Many kids come back three and four years in a row to keep learning,” Scherf said. “We bring in over 30 different natural resources professionals to teach, and that gives these kids exposure to career options if they would like to pursue them.” 

With the support of the NWTF, campers were able to practice on the rifle and shotgun ranges for free this year. This year’s classes included dendrology, silviculture, wildlife management and forest ecology.  

Campers also saw large raptors up close, climbed trees with arborists, learned about wild edibles, watched a sawmill turn logs into boards, and visited both one-year-old and nine-year-old clearcut sites to observe forest regeneration in action. 

“This is a great program to expose kids to forestry, the outdoors and shooting sports in a camp setting,” said Ryan Boyer, NWTF district biologist. “Many of these kids who participate in the camp have little to no background with shooting or conservation, but they leave with a whole new appreciation for the outdoors and conservation. This parallels the NWTF’s vision of a nation united through the life-changing power of the outdoors. Supporting these efforts aligns with the mission and has been overwhelmingly successful and impactful for these young campers.” 

After Camp Canopy ended for the season, campers who were able to attend for little to no cost because of the NWTF Ohio State Chapter’s donation wrote letters thanking Boyer for the opportunity. 

“Reading the letters from the young campers honestly made my day,” Boyer said. “You can feel the impact when reading hand-written notes, and it's one of those moments that you can say, ‘We made a difference in these kids' lives. We did good.’” 

About the National Wild Turkey Federation      

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. And Healthy Harvests. for future generations.