Envirothon….25 years of teamwork outdoors

Wildlife Knowledge

For 25 years every spring, around 100 high school students, typically from FFA clubs or Ecoloy clubs, spend a day practicing valuable skills in natural resource management, forestry, wildlife, decision-making, teamwork, and sustainable economic development. The winning team goes on to the State Envirothon, and the winning Tennessee team goes on to compete nationally. Envirothon is a national competition that began as an “environmental olympics”. Today, all 50 states compete, as well as Canada and China. In Tennessee, our local contests and the State contest are sponsored by the TN Association of Conservation Districts. Students are able to attend because of the support of Vocational Ag teachers and FFA coaches.

The 2018 competition, the 25th anniversary, will be April 11, 2018 at Warriors Path State Park. More information for registering teams here: www.arcd.org/envirothon. The cost to bring a team of up to 5 students to Envirothon is $25.

Teams will arrive starting at 8:30AM at Warriors Path on April 11. After a presentation they test at 5 stations with their teammates, and the day ends with Lunch and Awards. Each testing station is hosted by an environmental professional, exposing youth to real careers in natural resources.

Wildlife: Connie Deegan, Naturalist, Johnson City Park & Rec
Forestry: Brandon Lennon & Colleagues, Forester, TDF Washington County
Aquatics & Water Quality: Robert Tipton & Colleagues, TDEC Johnson City
Soils: Nathan Hartgrove, Soil Scientist, NRCS Washington
Special topic in 2018 is Rangelands Management: NRCS & SCD