Hillsboro Teen Among State ODNR Leadership Youth Council

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(Columbus) – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has announced the selection of 70 students to be part of the Conservation Teen Advisory Council (ConTAC), including Kathryn Ogden of Hillsboro High School. She is the only youth from the area selected to the council. ConTAC gives high school students from across Ohio a unique opportunity to collaborate and contribute ideas that enhance ODNR’s youth outreach program efforts.
 
“It’s inspiring for us to see a new group of intelligent young people that are passionate about nature join our ConTAC program,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “We love their perspectives and look forward to their work this year with our ODNR experts.”
 

ConTAC members serve at minimum one year on the council. They have an opportunity to meet monthly with fellow members and natural resource mentors (meetings are in-person March – November, and virtually December – January). This year’s kick-off meeting was July 26, 2023; at the Ohio State Fair where conTAC members became familiar with the ODNR divisions and their roles throughout the state.
 
Members of ConTAC are tasked with developing and implementing campaigns and strategies that positively impact their community and environment. Examples of past projects include stream quality monitoring, habitat restoration, educating youth on environmental issues, and fundraisers. Students are strongly encouraged to bring their new skills and knowledge back into their respective communities.
 

 
Twenty-six members of ConTAC are returning to the program for the 2023-2024 school year. With 70 students, the program represents 25 counties and 51 schools. A list of ConTAC members for the 2023-2024 program year can be found at the bottom of this release. 
 
You can learn more about the group and its mission on the ODNR website.