AGFC launches new conservation volunteer program to aid high school students 

LITTLE ROCK — High school students can build meaningful experiences in conservation while gaining valuable community service hours toward their graduation thanks to a new organized volunteer program recently launched by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

According to Act 237 of 2023 (the LEARNS Act), students set to graduate during the 2026-27 school year and beyond must complete 75 community service hours during their high school career to graduate. Many schools have reached out to their local communities to develop opportunities, but the newly established AGFC program may help fulfill this requirement for many students interested in giving back to conservation as well as their community.

“We’re really embracing Gov. Sanders’ initiative to get more people outdoors, especially our youth,” AGFC Director Austin Booth said. “Conservation has always been driven by people volunteering their time and resources into making this world better than they found it, so this was a natural fit for her vision.”

Volunteering for community service also can be a difference-maker for students seeking scholarships and internships as they make the transition from high school to college.

“Besides being a requirement and a resume builder, volunteering is an opportunity to be more involved in your community and meet people with the same interests,” Leah Hughes, Volunteer Program coordinator for the AGFC, said. “And, best of all, those students who participate are credited for their contributions.”

Hughes says most volunteer opportunities for schools will begin with a request from their school district. Teachers, parents and students can direct their school administrators to www.agfc.com/volunteer and register their district to be endorsed for youth volunteer opportunities.

“The district needs to fill out this form to make sure that resources like transportation can be considered,” Hughes said. “From there, we will send the request to our staff in that area to look for volunteer opportunities that can fill needs at the agency.”

Hughes said volunteer opportunities will be hosted by a crew of AGFC staff encompassing all aspects of the agency’s work. Events may run the gamut from organized trail cleanups to helping at fishing derbies, archery tournaments or other events.

“We’re trying to offer a variety of experiences so students can find something they can enjoy doing and feel like they contributed once the work is done,” Hughes said. “Having worked at many of our events myself, I can tell you that it can be so fun and fulfilling that you might have a hard time stopping at those minimum hours required.”

Districts who request opportunities will be notified of events in their area, and will receive priority placement for events that have limited participation. However, any student wanting to volunteer can find opportunities as they become available at the AGFC’s web portal.

“We’re already loading the portal with opportunities as the school year is kicking off,” Hughes said. “Right now we have a conservation appreciation day and fishing derby and the World Champion Squirrel Cook Off scheduled in Springdale that will need volunteer help,” Hughes said. “There also are opportunities to help out at the Gov. Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center. I’m sure we’ll have even more coming as the school year gets underway and requests come in from the districts. I’d tell everyone to register with our Volunteer web portal and bookmark that page so they can keep an eye out for some fun opportunities to help carry on conservation in their communities.”

Visit www.agfc.com/volunteer for more information.

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CUTLINES:

FISHING DERBY HELP
Students can volunteer for a variety of activities, including helping introduce new anglers to fishing through catfish and trout derbies.

NET IN STREAM
Working in stream restoration and monitoring efforts can fulfill volunteer hours as well as build knowledge for future ecology careers.

FISH HABITATS
Students looking for volunteer hours may be able to contribute to fish habitat projects in addition to cleanups and other outdoor activities.