On a cold and windy day in late April, two environmental study teams from Cazenovia High School traveled to Montezuma Audubon Center to compete in the 2010 Central New York Regional Envirothon. This event is sponsored by the New York State Soil and Water Conservation District. The purpose of the event is to test the students’ knowledge and understanding of natural resource issues within New York State, while cultivating students’ desire to learn more about our natural resources and environmental issues. The spirit of competition stimulates students’ interests in environmental concerns and motivates them to further develop their skills and grow into environmentally aware, action-oriented adults.
The Envirothon competition consists of five exams, which include aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife, a current environmental issue, and an oral presentation based on the current environmental issue. This year’s current environmental issue was “Protection of Groundwater Through Urban, Agricultural and Environmental Planning.” The teams used a scenario, references and other means to develop an action plan to protect natural resources, existing communities, businesses, and neighbors, while a proposed nanotechnology manufacturing facility caused significant land use change in a fictional community.
This year’s Cazenovia High School Teams were “Scat Happens” and “Bear Chested Protestors.” Participants on “Scat Happens” were Ellie Buckout, Emma Henderson, Katie Hill, and Nikki Franco and on “Bear Chested Protestors” were Ben Langey, Nick Genzel, Brody Kellish, Matt Sattler, and Renea Groetz.
Both teams performed extremely well in the event with the “Bear Chested Protested” placing 2nd overall among 24 other Madison County schools competing and the “Scat Happens” team placing 5th. Each team also won awards for having the top score on various content specific tests.
