Brent Chambers’ love for teaching combined with his love for hunting has made him a great role model and leader for DHS’ own Conservation Club. The club would not be possible without the enthusiasm from Chambers.

“I like being able to empower young people to feel proud of the good decisions they make as stewards of Michigan’s resources,” Chambers said. “I like sharing my enthusiasm for outdoor hobbies with young people and having them reflect that right back to me with their own enthusiasm. I like contacting adults from various conservation organizations and helping them get involved with our kids.”

The club meets whenever Chambers is able to schedule something fun and entertaining for students to enjoy. The club is meeting Nov. 13 with a noted conservationist from the Michigan United Conservation Club (MUCC) who will be driving up from Lansing to speak to the club members.

“[Kids should join Conservation club] because it is laid back, fun, and will expose them to some really motivational people in the field of professional conservation,” Chambers said. “I should emphasize the fun part in particular.”

The club opens doors to many unique opportunities. This year already the club has shot sporting clays at the Freeland Conservation Club, met with biologists from Pheasants Forever and visited a farm rehabilitated to provide natural pheasant cover, received a duck calling lesson from George Lunch, a noted duck call maker, and met with a local Conservation Officer. They also received a fly-tying lesson at the local Orvis shop, worked with the Ruffed Grouse Society at the Lame Duck Grouse Enhanced Management area west of Gladwin, and visited and watched professional waterfowl dog training and Windy Acres Kennels.

The meetings are very casual. Although the club is very active they still find a way to keep it fun. Thursday, Oct. 30, the club will be meeting purely for social time and enjoying cider and donuts. For more information about MUCC check out www.MUCC.org.