Those with the Herkimer County Soil & Water Conservation District were pleased to report that the 28th annual Herkimer County Envirothon was a huge success. The event took place on Wednesday, May 10 at Herkimer College. Event organizers expressed gratitude to all generous donors and volunteers for contributing to the 2023 event.  This year, Central Valley Academy, Mount Markham, Poland, and Herkimer County BOCES Conservation all sent teams.

Approximately 50 students participated with advisors and volunteers from NYS DEC, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Herkimer County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Farm Loan. The students competed in five categories, including soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatics, and a current issue of “Adapting to a Changing Climate.”

Winners/Awards Announced:

The first-place finisher for Herkimer County was Mount Markham “Team 1.” BOCES “Team 3” finished second, and BOCES “Team 1” took third place. The top three teams will receive a plaque and each member of the first place team was presented with a $50 cash prize for their achievement. BOCES “Team 1” was also awarded the Ray Korce Memorial Award for the highest score in forestry, presented by Gary Miller, past forestry instructor and retired DEC Forester.

BOCES “Team 1” was also awarded the Ray Korce Memorial Award for the highest score in forestry, presented by Gary Miller, past forestry instructor and retired DEC Forester. Photo provided by Gabrielle Lewosko, Natural Resource Conservation Technician, Herkimer Co. SWCD.

A group of Herkimer County Envirothon 2023 participants take part in the soils competition. Photo provided by Gabrielle Lewosko, Natural Resource Conservation Technician, Herkimer Co. SWCD.

Banner for Herkimer County’s Envirothon. Photo provided by Gabrielle Lewosko, Natural Resource Conservation Technician, Herkimer Co. SWCD.

Students competed in five categories including forestry during the Herkimer County Envirothon. Photo provided by Gabrielle Lewosko, Natural Resource Conservation Technician, Herkimer Co. SWCD.

Each participant received a “2023 Herkimer County Envirothon” t-shirt designed by a local Mount Markham student, Brianna Edson, and a delicious lunch consisting of pizza, salad, chips, apples, cookies, milk, and juice. Event organizers said everyone involved in the Envirothon had a great time and teachers would agree that it was a great hands-on learning experience, focused on the conservation of the area’s natural resources. This outdoor event gives students the opportunity to get away from the typical classroom setting and get their hands dirty with interactive, science-related questions.

What’s Next?

Mount Markham “Team 1” will go on to represent Herkimer County at the New York State Envirothon on Wednesday, May 24 and Thursday, May 25 at Hobart & William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY.

Photo at top: Winning Team 1 (Mount Markham) of Herkimer County’s 2023 Envirothon. Photo provided by Gabrielle Lewosko, Natural Resource Conservation Technician, Herkimer Co. SWCD.