The Centre for Land and Water Stewardship, University of Guelph, announced the Young Conservation Professionals Career Development Program (YCP-CDP) the 2004 A.D. Latornell Conservation Symposium. As part of the University of Guelph’s Centre for Land and Water Stewardship, the YCP-CDP is a comprehensive personal and professional development program to encourage young leaders within the conservation sector in Ontario.

YCP-CDP participants take part in an intensive year-long program consisting of residential retreats, workshops and on-the-job practice and reflection - all focused on developing leadership and management skills. The YCP-CDP is especially suited to conservation agencies and organizations with limited professional development resources, limited budgets and a pressing need for the next generation of conservation leaders to “step-up” and assume a management role.

Emerging conservation leaders have enhanced their skills with experiential learning and training opportunities provided through the YCP-CDP since 2005. The YCP-CDP graduation ceremonies are held during the A.D. Latornell Conservation Symposium.

For more information about the YCP-CDI, contact Peter Mitchell, Centre for Land and Water Stewardship, University of Guelph by phone at 519-824-4120, or email: claws@uoguelph.ca . You can also visit YCP online at www.uoguelph.ca/~claws/ycp/ .