Jan. 20, 2011

HARRISBURG –  Outdoor enthusiasts with an interest for Pennsylvania’s wildlife and natural habitats may find a career path starting with a new wildlife conservation certificate program.

HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission have collaborated on the two-semester, noncredit program that will be offered beginning in May at the Game Commission headquarters at 2001 Elmerton Ave. in Harrisburg. An elective course will be offered at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, 100 Museum Road, Stevens, Pa.

An information session 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 29, at the commission headquarters. The cost to attend is $10.

Professionals speaking at the session include Jack Hubley, host of “Outdoor Editor” on WGAL-TV 8; Gary San Julian, Ph.D., professor of wildlife resources at Penn State; and Kermit Henning, past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association.

Coursework is required in bird and mammal identification, habitat/plant identification and wildlife conservation, management and history. Electives include hiking/orienteering, hunter/trapper education, wildlife damage management, basic target archery and wildlife outdoor photography, backyard habitat management and the field trip to Middle Creek. Those who complete the program will have a better understanding of managing Pennsylvania wildlife that can serve as a stepping stone to a career in conservation.

To register for the information session, contact HACC’s Continuing Education office at 717-780-2414.

For more information, contact Lori Coffey in Continuing Education at HACC, 717-221-1378 or e-mail lvcoffey@hacc.edu, or Bob Wesoloskie at the Pennsylvania Game Commission, 717-787-4250, ext. 3623 or e-mail at rewesoloski@state.pa.us.