The Granville High School Blue Team placed first and the White Team placed second in the Tri-County Envirothon competition held Tuesday, April 21 at the Perry County Gun Club in Perry County. Advised by science teacher Jim Reding, the five-member teams competed against nearly 20 other teams from Licking, Muskingum and Perry Counties. The purpose of the annual outdoor competition is to increase high school students' awareness and interest in the environment, natural resources and conservation.
The Granville Blue Team scored 48 points and the Granville White Team scored 43 points out of a possible 60. The students study either Ecology or Environmental Science at Granville. The Envirothon tests students' knowledge of soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatic ecology and current environmental issues. To prepare for the event, team members went on several field trips to gain practical knowledge and experience.
The 2015 issue, Urban/Community Forestry, adds an interesting challenge to this year’s competition. Hosted by 16 county soil and water conservation districts, the Area 3 Envirothon event on May 6 in Belmont County will offer another hands-on approach to learning about the environment and conservation. Licking Soil & Water is seeking volunteers to help at the event.
Ohio has one of the biggest and best Envirothon programs in North America. Students compete for recognition and scholarships on regional, state and national levels. It also encourages cooperative decision-making and team building. Each student is challenged to give his or her personal best for the team.
The top four teams from the Area 3 regional competition qualify to compete in the Ohio Envirothon, June 7-9 in Mohican State Park in Ashland County. The winner of the state competition is eligible to participate in the National Envirothon held July 27-August 2 at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.