If land management, soil erosion, community restoration, forestry and other important environmental issues aren't part of your high-schooler's curriculum, maybe they should be. They can be through Envirothon, the largest high school environmental education program and competition in the nation.
Envirothon combines a year-long environmental curriculum with a national competition designed to test students' knowledge of the environment through teamwork, problem-solving and in-field activities. Subject areas covered are soil, aquatics, wildlife, forestry, and a specific environmental issue which changes from year to year. Participants are expected to gain deeper knowledge of the impact of individual actions on the environment and the need to be environmentally-aware adults; current environmental issues; and agencies involved in resource protection.
In the 1997 competition, the top three winning teams were awarded college scholarships totalling $25,000 by Envirothon's new sponsor, Canon U.S.A. Students from 40 states and Canadian provinces competed, marking Envirothon's 10-year history.
Envirothon volunteers from local Soil and Water Conservation Districts provide high school teachers with study materials and field exercises. Anyone interested in getting involved here in New York City - students, teachers, fundraisers, and adult volunteers for a variety of tasks - can call 1-800-825-5547, ext 27 for a brochure and further information. Or visit the Envirothon Web site at http://host1403.homecom.com.
