Welcome to the Conservation/Natural Resources Management program at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, where students embark on a journey to protect and preserve our natural environment while gaining valuable skills for a rewarding career in conservation.

Our program is designed for individuals passionate about environmental stewardship and sustainability. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines hands-on learning with theoretical knowledge. Led by experienced instructors dedicated to environmental conservation, our program covers a wide range of topics, including ecology, forestry, wildlife management, environmental policy, and more.

At Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, we believe in the importance of experiential learning. That’s why our students have the unique opportunity to engage in fieldwork, internships, and community projects that allow them to directly apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Whether conducting ecological surveys, restoring habitats, or developing sustainable land management plans, our students graduate with the practical skills and experience needed to make a positive impact in the field of conservation.

In addition to hands-on experience, our program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills — essential qualities for effective conservation professionals. Students also can earn industry-recognized certifications, enhancing their credentials and employability in the competitive job market.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to pursue a wide range of exciting career paths in conservation and natural resources management. These include roles such as wildlife biologist, forest ranger, environmental educator, conservation officer, and more. Whether you’re passionate about protecting endangered species, restoring ecosystems, or advocating for environmental policy, the Conservation/Natural Resources Management program at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES will empower you to make a difference in the world. Join us and become a champion for the planet today.

Conservation prepares students for various careers involving developing and protecting natural resources. Instruction takes place in multiple indoor and outdoor settings; this includes areas for heavy equipment operation, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting of diesel engines. Students enrolled in the program learn about forestry, wildlife, and watershed management; landscaping principles and design; tree and shrub identification; hydroponics; parks and recreation planning and operation; plant identification and propagation; and greenhouse management. Additional areas of study include soil and fertilizer analysis, chemical safety, soil and land classification, Geographic Information Systems, and conservation practices. Students will also learn to operate and maintain heavy equipment, vehicles, power tools, and machinery used in the conservation field.

• Alfred State College
• Bryant & Stratton College
• SUNY Cobleskill
• SUNY Delhi
• SUNY Erie
• Trocaire College

• OSHA Safety Certification

• Greenhouse Management
• Land and Forest Management
• Heavy Equipment Operator
• Land Survey Crewperson
• Logger
• Landscape Construction
• Parks and Recreation Construction/Maintenance
• Conservation Law Enforcement
• Fish and Wildlife Management
• Aquaculture