ENVIROTHON is a problem solving natural resource competition for middle and high school students, and is the most widely recognized "hands on" environmental education program in the nation. Middle and high school students immerse themselves in a year–long learning process that combines in–class curriculum with hands–on field experiences facilitated by resource professionals such as soil scientists, foresters and wildlife specialists. Training culminates in a competition where teams are tested in five subject areas: Soils/Land Use, Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Wildlife, and a current environmental issue. Scores determine winning placements.
"Envirothon students often become serious stewards of our natural resources and advocates for a healthy planet," said John Peeler, North Carolina’s Envirothon Committee Chair. "What bigger legacy can we leave?"
Soil and Water Area VII includes the districts of Cumberland, Bladen, Columbus, Harnett, Hoke, Richmond, Robeson Sampson and Scotland counties. Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District is located in the Agriculture Center of the Charlie Rose Agri-Expo Center, 301 E. Mountain Dr. For more information, call 910-484-8479 option 3 or go to http://www.co.cumberland.nc.us/soil_water/.
Envirothon Testing Content
Wildlife - challenges teams on habitats, identifications, food, harvesting, rules and regulations, diseases and management.
Aquatics - challenges teams on aquatic ecology, stream improvement, water quality, aquatic plants and animals, pollution, wetlands, best management practices (BMP’s), conservation and macroinvertebrates.
Forestry - challenges teams on tree identification, improvement of timber stands, insects, diseases, forest management, forest measurements and forest ecology.
Soils - classifications, erosion, soil surveys, site suitability, current issues, soil characteristics, Best Management practices and other conservation practices.
Current Environmental Issues - any current or newsworthy environmental issues.