Miami Valley Career Technology Center

Environmental and Natural Resources Tech Prep Program

    This two year program introduces students to the broad foundations of the environmental sciences: soil science, plant and aquatic ecology, wildlife management and energy systems;  Significant coursework is also conducted on technical applications related to hazardous and solid waste management, water treatment, and pollution control.  Students receive instruction in environmental law, environmental safety, emergency response, and SCUBA diving.

    Some of the technical skills they will develop are related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), surveying, mapping, drafting, and environmental assessment.

    Specific career involvement and management experience will be gained in the areas of fisheries, wildlife, nursery stock and landscaping, and urban forestry.

    Instructor Mike Buchanan has built this program over the last twenty three years, developing state-of-the-art facilities that feature a fifty acre land lab, two acre wetland, stocked pond, woodland and stream habitat, and an aquaculture operation.  Students in Mr. Buchanan's program gain valuable skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.

    The Tech Prep option provides students with college credit and a $3000 scholarship toward and Associate's degree at the time of graduation.  For more information, visit the MVCTC web site.

    Students gain first-hand experience in a variety of career options available in the fields of natural resources management, such as Soil Conservation Technician, Park Manager, Wildlife officer, Forest Ranger, or Ecologist, just to name a few.