Richard Clark, right, shows campers a mink pelt as he discusses trapping regulations at the Sand Lake Conservation Camp held at Camp Bird near Crivitz, Wis.

MARINETTE, Wis. — The 13th annual Sand Lake Conservation Camp held at Camp Bird near Crivitz was again a success this year, with 65 campers — representing 21 Wisconsin and two Upper Peninsula counties — and 18 dedicated overnight camp staff.

This event is for youth going into 6-8th grade in the fall and is organized by the Marinette County Land & Water Conservation Division. Conservation Camp provides positive educational outdoor experiences, fosters an appreciation for nature, and introduces a variety of natural resources and conservation career opportunities to youth.

Core topics presented by Marinette County staff included aquatic macroinvertebrates, reptiles and amphibians, and water pollution/conservation.

Evening presentations were given by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Biologist Chip Long and conservation wardens Tim Werner and Dale Romback. They spoke about their careers, educational backgrounds, and tools they use in their jobs.

Kim Diedrich and staff from the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay brought several native Wisconsin animals and discussed wildlife rehabilitation and conservation issues. All-camp cabin competitions included a campfire building contest, a scavenger hunt, and “Conservation Jeopardy,” a culmination activity designed to cover information from the presenters and programs.

Other available “camper’s choice” activities included wilderness survival skills, canoeing, archery, t-shirt design, outdoor first aid, spinner making, nature crafts, and teambuilding/low-ropes challenge course activities.

For more information about Sand Lake Conservation Camp, please visit www.marinettecounty.com or contact Anne Bartels, information and education specialist, at 715-732-7784 or abartels@marinettecounty.com. Tentative dates for 2019 are June 19-21.