Wildlife and fisheries science student Scott Pharr represents the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, on Capitol Hill with Ducks Unlimited. Photo courtesy of Scott Pharr.
Senior wildlife and fisheries science student Scott Pharr joined Ducks Unlimited in Washington, DC, to advocate for North American Wetlands Conservation in early March. Pharr was one of twenty-five students across the United States selected for this opportunity.
Pharr serves as chairman of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s chapter of Ducks Unlimited where his passion for wetland conservation drives the organization’s growth. The club has received the national recognition of Most Improved Chapter for two consecutive years and has doubled in size since his involvement.
“As chairman this past year, I emphasized growth, and we have achieved it in almost every way,” said Pharr. The club saw increases across the board from memberships to student activity at meetings to banquet attendance. They also established a true banking account and built their own roster through Ducks Unlimited.
He said,“I enjoy this organization because it focuses on the people and places I truly care about, but most importantly, because of conservation. Eighty-seven cents of every dollar I give goes to wetland conservation and education.”
While in Washington, DC, Pharr visited with congressmen and congresswomen to share his experiences and opportunities through the club. In addition to chairing the chapter, he is a part of the city and state committee, and a five-year volunteer for Ducks Unlimited. He met Tennessee, Texas, and Oklahoma officials to not only talk about how the club has elevated his college experience, but to explain different projects Ducks Unlimited is pursuing under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the Farm Bill, and conservation easements.
Pharr did not expect an experience like this in college. He said, “If you told me a year ago that I would be on the Hill advocating for the things I love, I would not believe you. I took a leap that I typically wouldn’t take, and I am very grateful I did.”
Reading Martin Luther King Junior’s quote on the first day of the experience gave him the confidence he needed to step outside of his comfort zone. The memorial reads, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
The trip provided the opportunity for Pharr to educate government officials about conservation projects in Tennessee, and helped him learn that other avenues of success and job options exist for wildlife students. “I never knew how much advocating for conservation, wildlife, and fisheries happens on the Hill, or that congress members’ staff have positions that focus and specialize in these areas.”
Pharr credits Mark Horobetz, manager of National R3 programs for Ducks Unlimited, for this opportunity. “Mark is not only a great mentor to me, but serves as a great friend. He has always wanted nothing but the best for me, and I am very grateful for him.”
Opportunities like this give Herbert students a new perspective on how they can advocate for agriculture and natural resources. Pharr is looking forward to the future, whether his path keeps him in Tennessee, or leads to Washington, DC, or Texas. The college is thrilled that he called Herbert home!