ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE FUN
            This typical Midwest winter just past allowed for ample outdoor recreation. Now, even though baseball season has begun, we are still anticipating warm weather recreational activities. The students who participated in the Envirothon this year remind us that, in all seasons, our recreational activities have an impact on the environment and our natural resources.
            “Recreational Impacts Upon Natural Resources” was the subject of the oral presentations made by high school students who participated in the Envirothon competition held on April 10, 2008 at Highland Community College. 31 teams of five students from the six northwest Illinois counties of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts Land Use Council 1 prepared and participated in the event which required the services of more than 35 volunteers. Area businesses supported the event with donations for t-shirts and refreshments.
            Prior to the event the teams were given materials to study and questions to research. Each team applied what was learned to prepare an oral presentation that was given at the event. The competition included a chance for teams to hear from natural resource professionals in five environmental areas – forestry, aquatics, wildlife, soils, and recreational impacts. Tests in each area were given and scored The oral presentations were judged. The team with the highest point total, this year from Morrison, was declared the winner, will receive a scholarship from the Land Use Council, and will compete in the Illinois State competition. Envirothon participants gain valuable knowledge and training in ecology and natural resource management principles and practices. And they have fun!
            The winner of the state contest will have the opportunity to compete in Canon Envirothon 2008 to be held at Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, July 28-August 3. This annual competition allows winning teams from U.S. states and Canadian provinces to compete for recognition and scholarships by demonstrating their knowledge of environmental science and natural resource management. Training for the Canon Envirothon begins well in advance of the actual event. Each team arrives at the Canon Envirothon as a result of extensive training and superior performance at local and/or regional and state/provincial Envirothon competitions. Teams are led by volunteer teacher advisors and usually meet during the fall and spring as an extra curricular activity.
            Today, Envirothon is able to push forward in its mission to bring environmental education to North America's youth because of generous contributions from the sponsor. Canon U.S.A., Inc. has joined forces with the Envirothon, providing financial resources to help increase program visibility and promote greater participation. Locally and nationwide there are many other corporate, government, and foundation sponsors including the National Association of Conservation Districts, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Forest Service.
            To learn more about the Canon Envirothon, take time to explore the information and resources available on their website: www.envirothon.org.
           
Della Moen, Earth Team Volunteer, NRCS/Stephenson Soil and Water
Conservation District, an equal opportunity provider and employer, 04/09/08
(for publication on 04/19/08 in the Journal-Standard, Freeport, Illinois).
Della can be reached at info@stephensonswcd.org