Press Release
Annapolis, MD–April 11, 2005–Across Maryland, teenagers are grabbing their
binoculars, pulling on their waterproof boots, and consulting their field guides as they
gear up to take part in the first round of competitions leading up to the 2005 Canon
International Envirothon, North America’s largest and most prestigious natural
resources event for high school students.
“This kind of hands-on academic programming is a valuable way for students to understand the complexities of our environment and about career choices,” said Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. “It is exciting to know that Maryland students are developing the enthusiasm and skills they need to become our next natural resources professionals and future guardians of the Chesapeake Bay.”
Students participating in the Envirothon have been studying the state’s natural resources all year. The learning experience and competition take place in a variety of outdoor and indoor settings. During their training, the teenagers identify and categorize living resources, perform soil surveys, measure tree heights and solve other complex natural resource issues. They receive hands-on instruction from natural resource professionals including foresters, soil scientists, wildlife specialists and environmental engineers from local, state and federal agencies as well as private environmental organizations.
Teams compete by applying their knowledge and problem-solving skills in these areas. The team with the highest cumulative total wins the local competition and advances to the Maryland Envirothon scheduled for June 21-23 at Harford Glen Environmental Education Center in Bel Air, Maryland.
The winner of the Maryland Envirothon earns the right to represent the state at the 2005 Canon International Envirothon. More than 300 of the brightest teenagers from across the United States and Canada will participate in this rigorous competition slated for later this summer in Springfield, Missouri.
Envirothon is sponsored by soil conservation districts and the State Soil Conservation Committee. Following are the dates and contacts for upcoming county Envirothon competitions:
Allegany Envirothon Competition
Date: April 27, 2005
Contact: Craig Hartsock, Allegany Soil Conservation District, 301-777-1747, ext. 4
Anne Arundel County Envirothon Competition
Date: April 27, 2005
Contact: Jeff Opel, Anne Arundel Soil Conservation District, 410-222-7822
Baltimore County Envirothon Competition
Date: April 28, 2005
Contact: Jim Ensor, Baltimore County Soil Conservation District, 410-666-1188, ext. 3
Calvert County Envirothon Competition
Date: April 26, 2005
Contact: Bill Clark, Calvert Soil Conservation District, 410-535-1521, ext. 3
Carroll County Envirothon Competition
Date: April 20, 2005
Contact: Ed Null, Carroll Soil Conservation District, 410-848-8200, ext. 3
Cecil County Envirothon Competition
Date: May 4, 2005
Contact: Charles Hayes, Cecil Soil Conservation District, 410-398-4411, ext. 3
Charles County Envirothon Competition
Date: April 19, 2005
Contact: Luis Dieguez, Charles Soil Conservation District, 301-934-9588, ext. 3
Dorchester County Envirothon Competition
Date: May 17, 2005
Contact: Jim Newcomb, Dorchester Soil Conservation District, 410-228-5640, ext. 3
Frederick County Envirothon Competition
Date: April 26, 2005
Contact: Barry Burch, 301-271-5099
Garrett County Envirothon Competition
Date: May 4, 2005
Contact: Shaun Sanders, Garrett Soil Conservation District, 301-334-6951
Harford County Envirothon Competition
Date: April 27, 2005
Contact: Gary Davis, Harford Soil Conservation District, 410-838-6181, ext. 3
Howard County Envirothon Competition
Date: April 26, 2005
Contact: Kristal Lull, Howard Soil Conservation District, 410-489-7987
Kent County Envirothon Competition
Date: May 17, 2005
Contact: Karen Miller, Kent Soil Conservation District, 410-778-5150, ext. 3
Montgomery County Envirothon Competition
Date: April 27, 2005
Contact: Brian Taylor, Montgomery Soil Conservation District, 301-590-2855
Prince George’s County Envirothon Competition
Date: April 20, 2005
Contact: Dave Bourdon, Prince George’s Soil Conservation District, 301-574-5162, ext.
3
Queen Anne’s County Envirothon Competition
Date: May 317, 2005
Contact: Alison Howard, Queen Anne’s Soil Conservation District, 410-758-3136, ext. 3
St. Mary’s County Envirothon Competition
Date: April 19, 2005
Contact: Bruce Young, St. Mary’s Soil Conservation District, 301-475-8402, ext. 3
Talbot County Envirothon Competition
Date: May 12, 2005
Contact: Craig Zinter, Talbot Soil Conservation District, 410-822-1577, ext. 3
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