"When you try to change a single thing, you find it hitched to everything
else in the universe..."
John Muir
Welcome
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Training Guidelines
AQUATIC
SECTION
FORESTRY
SECTION
SOIL
SECTION
WILDLIFE
SECTION
SPECIAL
TOPIC SECTION
Training Manual
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See the most current Envirothon core curricula guidelines at
https://envirothon.org/the-competition/areas-of-study/. |
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See the "Future competitions" link on the Envirothon site (http://www.envirothon.org/ ) for the current issue study information. |
You should be able to do the following at the Arkansas Envirothon and the Envirothon:
Curriculm Training Guuidelines (PDF)
AQUATIC
| Identify the processes and phases for each part of the water cycle |
| Describe the chemical and physical properties of water and explain their importance for freshwater and saltwater ecosystems |
| Discuss methods of conserving water and reducing point and non-point source pollution |
| Analyze the interaction of competing uses of water supply, hydropower, navigation, wildlife, recreation, waste assimilation, irrigation, industry, and others |
| Identify common aquatic organisms through the use of a key |
| Delineate the watershed boundary for a small water body |
| Be able to explain the different types of aquifers and how each type relates to water quality and quantity |
| Briefly describe the benefits of wetlands, both function and value |
| Describe the changes to the aquatic ecosystem based on alteration to the aquatic habitat |
| Know methods used to assess and manage aquatic environments and utilize water quality information to assess the general water quality of a given body of water (includes sampling techniques, water quality parameters used to monitor point and non-point source pollution) |
| Be familiar with major methods and laws used to protect water quality (surface and ground water) and utilize this information to make management decisions to improve the quality of water in a given situation |
FORESTRY
| Identify common trees without a key and identify specific or unusual species of trees or shrubs through the use of a key |
| Understand forest ecology concepts and factors affecting them, including the relationship between soil and forest types, tree communities, regeneration, competition, and succession |
| Understand the cause/effect relationship of factors affecting tree growth and forest development (climate, insects, microorganisms, etc.) |
| Understand how wildlife habitat relates to forest communities, forest species, forest age structure, snags and den trees, availability of food, and riparian zones |
| Understand the value of trees in urban and suburban settings and factors affecting their health and survival |
| Understand how the following issues are affected by forest health and management: biological diversity, forest fragmentation, air quality, fire, and recreation |
| Understand basic forest management concepts and tools such as: how various silvicultural practices are utilized, the use of tree measuring devices, and best management practices |
| Identify complex factors which influences forest management decisions (economics, social, and ecological) |
| Apply silviculture concepts and methods to develop general management recommendations for a particular situation and management goals |
SOIL
| Recognize soil as an important resource |
| Describe basic soil properties and formation factors |
| Understand soil drainage classes and know how wetlands are defined |
| Determine basic soil properties and limitations, such as mottling and permeability, by observing a soil pit or soil profile |
| Identify types of soil erosion and discuss methods for reducing erosion |
| Utilize soil information, including soil surveys, in land use planning |
| Discuss how soil is a factor in, or impacted by non-point source pollution |
WILDLIFE
| Identify common wildlife species and wildlife signs (keys will be used for more extensive identification) |
| Identify basic wildlife survival needs |
| Describe specific adaptations of wildlife to their environment and role in the ecosystem |
| Describe predator/prey relationships and examples |
| Describe the potential impact of the introduction of non-native species |
| Describe the major factors affecting threatened and endangered species and methods used to improve the populations of these species |
| Describe ways habitat can be improved for specific species by knowing their requirements |
| Discuss the concepts of carrying capacity and limiting factors |
| Discuss various ways the public and wildlife managers can help in the protection, conservation, management, and enhancement of wildlife populations |
| Describe food chains/webs and cite examples |
| Describe factors that limit or enhance population growth |
| Evaluate a given habitat for its suitability for designated species, given a description of their habitat needs |
For additional information about the Envirothon Program in Arkansas, contact:
Brittany Singleton, Arkansas Envirothon Coordinator
bltsingleton@gmail.com
501-208-6160
Debbie Moreland, Arkansas Association Conservation District Director
debbiepinreal@aol.com
501-425-2891
The Envirothon Program is offered and operated on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, or physical/mental challenges.