The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is about much more than just elk and hunting. It seeks to support worthy causes that help the next generation learn about conservation and the environment, such as the New York Envirothon, a competition that challenges students on their knowledge of natural resource science, public speaking, and civic engagement.
The Envirothon is a series of field station tests in the areas of soils/land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, and wildlife. An emerging environmental issue is also highlighted each year. This year’s new issue focused on how to manage different types of waste generated by individuals, households, communities, businesses, manufacturing, agriculture, and industry, as well as how waste impacts our environment and natural resources.
Thirty-five teams from across the state competed in environmental science and natural resource management written and oral tests during the two-day competition. The teams, each made up of five high school students, qualified at the regional or local level and received invitations to the state competition.
The program services hundreds of high school students throughout New York, including the five city boroughs. Winning teams from regional and county Envirothon competitions advance to the state level and then to the national level Envirothon, earning awards and scholarships at each level. The program is funded from contributions and grants from individuals, businesses and organizations such as RMEF.
(Photo credit: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets)