The Conservation Good Turn is an opportunity for Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Explorer posts to join with conservation or environmental organization (federal, state, local, or private) to carry out a conservation Good Turn in their home communities.

Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts

Cub Scouting conservation projects should involve the entire Cub Scout pack, each den, adult leaders, and family members. Hands-on projects help Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts realize that everyone can do things to care for the environment.

Suggested projects include, but are not limited to:

• Plant grasses, trees, shrubs, and ground cover to stop soil erosion.

• As a den or pack, adopt a park. Remove litter and garbage from a favorite neighborhood recreation area or park.

• Organize or participate in a recycling program in your neighborhood, or visit a recycling center.

• Participate in a beach or waterfront cleanup. Record the items collected and determine the possible harmful effects to wildlife. With youth participation, develop a plan to educate the public about the dangers posed to wildlife.

• From a local, state, or national organization that is concerned about environmental protection, obtain suggestions for den and pack projects to improve the environment.

• As a den or pack, visit a public utility to learn about the wise use of resources, and become involved in programs offered by utilities to help consumers conserve resources.

• Contact the camp ranger at Schiff Scout Reservation for information about camp needs and plans. Establish a nature trail, plant vegetation, or carry out other needed projects as requested by the camp ranger.  Plan camp projects considering the following:

  • What needs doing? Seek help from the camp ranger or ask the campmaster. 

    Check out the Schiff Conservation Plan.

  • Will the project be meaningful to the boys? Will they see the project as more than just busywork?

  • Consider the number and ages of boys available to do the project. Can you complete the project within, say, a couple of hours? Can most of the work be done by boys? If adults do most of the work, the boys will learn little. Remember that projects need to be suitable for boys ages 6 to 10.

Boy Scouts

The Conservation Good Turn is an opportunity for Boy Scout troops to join with conservation or environmental organizations (federal, state, local, or private) to carry out a conservation Good Turn in their home communities. Working together in the local community, the unit and the agency plan the details and establish the date, time and location for carrying out the project.

Conservation projects should involve the entire troop - scouts, leaders, and family members. Hands-on projects help Boy Scouts realize that everyone can do things to care for the environment. Scouts participating in the Conservation Good Turn can also meet some advancement requirements.

Agencies to contact for project ideas:

Some suggested projects could be:

• Plant shrubs to provide food and cover for wildlife.

• Conduct stream improvement projects to prevent erosion.

• Plant tree seedlings as part of a managed forestry plan.

• Assist a local agency with a trout stream restoration project.

• Develop a nature trail in a public park.

• Contact local nature and conservation organizations agencies  like the Center for Science Teaching and Learning , Tackapausha Preserve , the Massapequa Preserve , and the Science Museum of Long Island  for ideas and opportunties.