High School Students to Participate in Envirothon

Fifteen teams of high school students from across Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island will participate in an environmental competition at the Municipal Activity and Recreation Complex in Dayspring, April 23-24.

Known as the Envirothon, this educational program supplements existing school curriculum with real life issues concerning the environment.

"This is a great way to introduce students to current environmental issues," said Environment Minister Michel Samson. "We're pleased to lend our support to such a worthwhile endeavour."

Sponsored by the Nova Scotia Forestry Association, each five-member team is tested on their knowledge of aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife and wildfire management. In addition to testing critical thinking skills, teams participate in written, hands-on and public speaking activities.

"The goal of the program is to create a desire to learn more about our natural environment," said Debbie Totten, program co-ordinator with the Nova Scotia Forestry Association. "It's also designed to help youth discover that individually and collectively they can make a difference."

Linda Redmond, a Department of the Environment education officer, has been involved with the program for two years. "The students are very excited and enthusiastic. They're also very committed to environmental issues," said Ms. Redmond, who will be judging team performances.

The Department of Environment, along with other provincial departments and businesses, will provide support for the competition.

The winning teams representing the two provinces will attend the Canon Envirothon, which will be held this summer at Humboldt State University in California.

Nova Scotia was the first Canadian province to become involved in the competition, which began in 1979. The province will also be the first to host a Canon Envirothon outside of the United States, which will take place in the year 2000.