Swartswood State Park was the setting on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 for the Northern Area Training Session of the NJ Envirothon. The Sussex County Soil Conservation District hosted approximately 70 students representing 11 teams from seven different high schools who participated in the field day events to prepare for the annual state Envirothon competition.  The state competition will be held on Saturday May 10, at Duke Farms in Hillsborough Township.  Local High Schools that will participate in the statewide event are Kittatinny, Sparta and Vernon.  Both Kittatinny and Sparta attended the northern area training session.  They were joined by students and advisors from Bridgewater-Raritan; High Tech, Jonathan Dayton, Kinnelon, and New Providence.

Students participating in the NJ Envirothon will be tested on their knowledge of aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife and the current environmental issue “Recreational Impact on Natural Resources”.  To help the students prepare for this intensive competition a team of experts were on hand to review relevant subject matter regarding the five stations they will be tested at.  Each team will have to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of natural resources, teamwork and communication skills.  A team presentation on the current issue will be judged at the state level by a panel of judges.  Sheila Hall from the Morris County Soil Conservation District instructed the students as to what to expect during the oral segment and how to best plan and conduct their presentation.

Soil Scientist Fred Schoenagel displayed soil and mineral samples and demonstrated how to test soil for pH levels.  Also addressing the students were Liz Jackson, a wildlife education specialist with the DEP, Jack Shaurt, assistant regional forester with the Bureau of Forest Management, Clifford R. Lundin, Esq., Environmental Attorney and a team of Americorps Watershed Ambassadors led by Adam Assenza.

The Envirothon provides an educational format through which students can learn more about natural resource management, the environmental benefits which can result, and the programs that can promote these benefits.