Thursday, June 5, 2014

Envirothon 2014

Erie County knows how to represent itself when it comes to demonstrating their interest and knowledge in conservation and the environment.  On May 1st, 2014, nearly 150 students arrived at Headwaters Park to compete in the annual Erie County Envirothon.


Students from nine school districts across the county arrived early that Thursday, assembled in school teams of 3-5 students, to showcase their hard work and preparation in the five competitive categories:  Forestry, Wildlife, Aquatics, Soils/Land Use, and the Current Issue - Sustainable Agriculture and Locally Grown.  The school districts included General McLane, North East, Corry, Wattsburg, Fort LeBoeuf, Fairview, Millcreek, Iroquois, and Northwestern.  The excitement and positive energy from advisors and students was palpable; they had been preparing for this event for nearly the entire school year.

Forestry Station
North East Team











Seneca Team



Students spent the morning rotating through the testing stations out in Headwaters Park, puzzling through detailed questions on soil profiles, native PA species, bird and frog calls, benefits/issues with locally grown food, and invasive species, to name a few.  To get and idea of what the students were working through, take a moment to check out your I.D. knowledge:

This is a...?
Perhaps a...?

Or how about a...?

The students worked very hard all year to prepare for this event.  The above ID is just a taste.

Lunch was a welcome finale to several hours of hard work and good-natured play in the Park.  Following a great lunch buffet generously provided by Headwaters NRC Trust, attendees were ready for the awards.  North East High School took 2nd and 3rd place.  For the third year in a row, a team of young women from General McLane High School took the trophy back to school and advanced to the State competition.  They returned home 17th in the state out of over 60 teams, making Erie County proud of their efforts and achievements!

General McLane High School 1st place

North East High School 2nd place

North East High School 3rd place
The Middle School Envirothon, still in its early years, hosted teams from North East Middle School, JS Wilson from Millcreek, and Fairview Middle School.  Student teams engaged in short quizzes in Forestry, Wildlife, Aquatics, Soils/Land Use, and a team oral presentation focusing on locally grown products in their schools.  Following the quizzes, students were then able to engage in activities with the visiting agencies.  This time gave students interactive exploration into the topics, and also time to talk with different agencies and further understand what is involved in environmental careers.
Working at the Soils/Land Use station
Forestry ID
Map Reading activity
JS Wilson team
Fairview team at the Soils/Land Use station

North East School District swept the first three spots, earning them a morning on Gannon University's Environaut research vessel.  The teams will have the opportunity to engage in various research techniques and enjoy a morning out on Presque Isle Bay!

North East Middle School top three teams

Check out our website for more information and resources regarding our Envirothons at www.erieconservation.com.  If you or someone you know would be interested in a sponsorship, they are greatly appreciated to keep this program as strong as it is and to welcome new schools and teams.  Looking forward to May of 2015!

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