If you go into the woods on Earth Day you will be in for a big surprise.
That’s when you will find dozens of high school students from Grey Bruce taking part in this years Envirothon.
Craig Todd is the co ordinator of the event which will take place this year, at the Sydenham Sportsman’s Association facility south of Owen Sound on Thursday April 22nd, which is Earth Day.
This year there are 14 teams of five students each, taking part in the competition.
Grey Bruce Schools have been taking part in the Envirothons since 1997 and have managed to send five teams off to the international competition during that time period.
Todd says the competition involves interactive fields trips and workshops to help them understand forests, soils, wildlife, aquatic ecosystems and the human impact we have on nature.
He says the Envirothon uses field testing to develop critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and communication skills.
Todd says it says a lot about the quality of environmental education in this region that a small rural area of Ontario can do so well at both the Provincial and International Competitions.
He says what’s even more important, is the fact the students are preparing for these competition on their own time, as are the teacher volunteers.
This year the provincial competition will be happening from May 5th to May 8th.