The Indian River Lagoon Envirothon

What is the Envirothon? The Envirothon is a scholastic competition for high school students that tests their knowledge on five topics: soils, aquatics, forestry, wildlife and a current issue. Middle school students can participate at the regional levels but do not continue to state and national level competition. It is a unique approach to environmental education. The teams of five students are challenged to use critical thinking skills and cooperate as a team to answer written questions and conduct hands-on investigations of environmental issues.

The IRLE is organized by local Soil and Water Conservation Districts that partner with a diverse group of local resource districts and cooperating state and federal natural resource agencies. The multi-county competition between Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties has a sixth topic, the INDIAN RIVER LAGOON. The Lagoon is a major part of our regional economy and requires protection by every individual. This section will supply students with the fundamental knowledge necessary to make important decisions to support the protection of the Lagoon.

Advantages to Participating in the EnviroThon: Teachers: Shows your “pro-active” involvement above and beyond the classroom Engage students who are looking for “something more” Use as a “reward” for students-have a lottery as a means of choosing who can be involved as a team member Students: Scholarship money Experience to add to your college resume Fun time meeting students from other schools Network with environmental professionals

Why Teachers Like This Program Preparation for Envirothon including individual, group and classroom study, as well as contact with environmental professionals will: Increase students’ knowledge of total quality management of our natural resources. Promote environmental awareness and stewardship. Develop students’ critical thinking, cooperative problem solving and decision making skills. Present balanced options for management of our renewable and non-renewable natural resources. Provide awareness of and accessibility to resource organizations offering assistance in environmental issues. The challenges facing educators are formidable. Envirothon affords a ready-made program that fosters a well-rounded approach to environmental education.

How the Teacher/Sponsor Is Involved: 1. Invite Diane and Brenda to visit your school to meet with you, (or the group/club sponsor i.e. parent) to present this power point to them and address questions. 1. Complete the registration sheet available at xyz website or call Brenda 2. Attend orientation meeting Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 5 – 7 PM at the UF/IFAS-St. Lucie County Extension Office in Fort Pierce. Registration forms and information packets will be available. Attendance is NOT required by provides the opportunity for teams to meet area professionals will be available to answer questions. 3. Meet with your 5 member team as a class or club to study and review the suggested study resources for the 6 topics (Note: there is no rubric. All groups study the same resources. No test questions will be pulled from material other than the suggested study resources. This means that all students are working on the same level: IB and AP students will not have any advantages over other students.) 4. Day of competition: Arrive at 8 a.m. Your group of students will visit each of the 6 topic stations for 30 minutes to answer questions as a team (not individually). A volunteer chaperone will accompany each rotation of teams. A snack and lunch are provided. Awards are presented. Departure is at 2:30.

The Soil Pit at the Soils Station Key Concepts: Classification Profiles Characteristics Soil Surveys Land use Erosion Conservation practices

The Forestry Station Key Concepts: Forest ecology Tree identification Insects Diseases Measurement Forest history Timber stand improvement Forest management

Aquatics Key Points: Water ecology Water chemistry Ground water Surface water Wetlands Conservation

Wildlife Key Points: Ecology Conservation principles Habitat Species identification Rules and Regulations

Indian River Lagoon Key Points: Species identification Management problems and practices

Current Issue The Current Issue Topic for the 2011 Envirothon is Salt and Fresh Water Estuaries Salt and Fresh Water Estuaries The 2011 Envirothon will be held on Friday, February 25, 2011 at the Environmental Learning Center in Wabasso!

Students: Remember how much fun you had and how much you learned at Lagoon Days when you were in elementary school? Here’s your opportunity to enjoy a deeper, richer experience at the Environmental Learning Center.

Volunteers Putting on a high- quality Envirothon, such as the Indian River Lagoon Envirothon, would be nearly impossible without the generosity and hard work of our volunteers!

Lunch

Awards Ceremony

2010 Indian River County Winners and Wildlife Category Winners – St. Edwards School The winning team from each county advances to the State level of competition and from there may qualify for the National Competition.

The team from Storm Grove Middle School

How to make it happen… Indicate your interest to Diane and Brenda and schedule their visit to your school. If you are unable to lead/sponsor your school’s team, the local environmental staff person (i.e. NPDES Coordinator) for your city will be available to work with your team as the resource and/or sponsor. The coordination in arranging the bus transportation would be the only thing needed by one of the school science teachers. Registration forms and information packets are available at this presentation.

Envirothon

Contact Information Diane Wilson, Indian River County Storm Water Educator Phone: Brenda Davis, Indian River Soil & Water Conservation District Phone: