IN PHOTO (left to right): Students Cameron Boll, Angie Furger and Emily Dufeck 

While every day is Earth Day for students in our Natural Resources program, they love this time of year because it allows them to share their passion with others.  

“I love seeing the local events and volunteer opportunities around this time of year that focus on cleaning up our environment,” says Angie Furger, FVTC student and Natural Resources Club president. “Every little bit helps and if we all try to do our best the effects will be impactful and long-lasting. We are all part of this web of life together.”

Recently students from the Natural Resources Club not only got the opportunity to help others, they’re also gaining real-life experience through two hands-on projects. SEE PHOTO GALLERY BELOW

On Saturday, April 10, club members spent the day at the Norbert Rich School Forest, a 43-acre plot of land that serves as an outdoor learning environment for students in the Winneconne Community School District. Their task: preparing a space for a future pollinator garden. “We removed debris, laid down cardboard and hauled mulch to get the area ready for 600 plants that will help attract all kinds of pollinators to the area,” Angie says. The club will return the first weekend in May to help with planting, along with other community and school groups.

In addition, students are also working with Paul Bachman, a private landowner who is planting 3000 trees on his land in Shiocton. Several years ago, tornado damage took many of Bachman’s trees and he wanted to repopulate the natural area. He needed help, so he connected with the FVTC Natural Resources team. The project provides students with the practical experience they need. “It’s been great working with the students,” says Paul. “They’ve been really helpful and I hope it continues.”

Fox Valley Technical College is the only technical college in Wisconsin that offers an associate degree in Natural Resources. Learn more about our Natural Resources and Wildland Firefighting programs >>