The 17^th Annual Orange/Osceola/Seminole Regional Envirothon will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens, Orlando , Florida .

     The Regional Envirothon is a problem-solving, natural resource education program for high school students.  It is a unique outdoor competition that requires teamwork and the application of knowledge in the five areas listed below:

• Aquatics – water ecology, water chemistry, water quality, and aquatic life.

• Current Environmental Issues – annually selected topics such as energy sources, ground water, Gulf of Mexico environ- mental concerns or other current issues.

• Forestry – tree identification, tree ecology, insects, and timber.

• Soils – classification, formation, soil properties, profiles, and site suitability.

• Wildlife – habitat, identification, food, disease, and management.

     The Envirothon originated in Pennsylvania in 1979.  That year, three districts held local competitions under the name of Environmental Olympics.  In 1988, the name was changed to the Envirothon, and today, 44 states and 7 Canadian Provinces have Envirothon programs.  During the 1991-1992 school year Florida organized its first regional competition in Palm Beach.  Since then, the Envirothon has become popular throughout Florida.  In February 2010, 415 students competed in the Orange/Osceola/Seminole Regional Envirothon, and in April of 2010, the Florida State Envirothon had entrants from 26 counties around the State.  The team representing Palm Beach County won the state competition and went on to compete at the Canon National Envirothon, which was held at California State University in Fresno, California in August of 2010. 

(The National Envirothon has a home page at http://www.envirothon.org). 

  There, hands-on involvement with natural resource information will give students an opportunity to see and explore native ecosystems of Florida .

     The Regional Envirothon is sponsored by the Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Soil and Water Conservation Districts, bringing together soil scientists, wildlife experts, foresters, park and recreational leaders, and other environmental specialists to challenge students to learn about our natural resources.  Their ultimate goal is a more environmentally aware and concerned citizenry.

     If you would like more information regarding the Envirothon, sponsorship or registration to participate in the 2011 competition, please contact:

Osceola Soil and Water Conservation District

1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane

Kissimmee, Florida 34744

407/847-4465, ext. 3