Natural Resources Management

The Natural Resources Management program enables students to learn about the physical aspects of managing natural areas as well as the theory behind the procedures. Students develop the necessary skills and certifications for entering careers as natural resources technicians through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory activities, and an eight-week cooperative work experience.

A trademark of the program is the Advanced Outdoor Recreation Techniques class. Within this class, students travel to the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area to gain experience in wilderness ethics, orienteering, canoeing, portaging, camping, and much more. Students train for this experience at Hickory Hills County Park in the weeks prior to this experience.

Transfer Information

Hawkeye Community College's Agriculture and Natural Resources programs have articulation agreements with Iowa State University, Upper Iowa University, and Mount Mercy University to transfer both general education and technical credits. Many other state and private colleges and universities accept up to 65 credit hours. For more information, contact a program advisor.

Events

We host many special events in our program, both on and off campus.

During the first year we hold a two day retreat in January to:

• introduce students to prospective employers and expose them to various Natural Resources careers.

• expose students to four-year transfer colleges and their admission requirements prior to graduation and transfer time.

• provide a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.

• provide an environment of teambuilding and leadership opportunities.

Other activities include:

• two day "Leave No Trace" training to prepare our students for their adventure into the wilderness and also assist in our teambuilding efforts.

• canoe trip and campout in the fall.

• prescribed burns in the spring.

• Trumpeter Swan Roundup in the spring.

Second year students enjoy the wide variety of projects performed in Natural Areas Management class, timber stand improvement projects in Woodland Management class, and fisheries projects in Aquatic Management class.

College Catalog | Next Page >