Middle School Envirothon Draws Hundreds

Newark -- Despite threats of rain, about 200 seventh and eighth students converged on the Dutch Fork Wetlands at The Dawes Arboretum for the second annual Middle School Envirothon on Tuesday.  The event was sponsored by Licking County Soil & Water Conservation District with support from District volunteers and Dawes.

Perhaps the first of its kind in the state at the middle school level, students were tested on knowledge of soils, forestry, wildlife and aquatic ecology.  Students rotated to stations taking part in an interactive, hands-on test for each category.

 “For many participants, the event was their first competition in an outdoor learning environment” said Jim Kiracofe, District Program Administrator.  The event gives students a chance to apply knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world situations.

 Thirty nine teams of five students each collaborated and completed the test.  Granville Middle School’s Neon Green Flamingos and ZZZing teams placed first and second.  Licking Heights Middle School’s   Enviro Hornets, Marbola and Buzzing Bees teams placed third, fourth and fifth respectively.  The winning team received a plaque, courtesy of the District and the Granville Kiwanis.  Newark City's Liberty Middle School also participated in the event. 

“The Middle School Envirothon helps prepare students for High School Envirothons where teams compete regionally, state-wide and nationally at the annual Cannon Envirothon” said Lindsey Grimm, District Education Specialist. 

After lunch, the District presented information on wildlife, wetlands and aquatic insect identification.

Photos: /photos

Envirothon Information: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/tabid/8652/Default.aspx

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