02-05-2025
'Assist the future': Area students 'learn about nature' at annual Envirothon
ST. MICHAEL, Pa. – Students from seven school districts combined hands-on learning, the spirit of competition and the fun of spending time outside on a beautiful spring day when they participated Thursday in the Cambria County Conservation District's annual Envirothon.
They took tests at different stations – soils, wildlife, aquatics, current issues and forestry – at Disaster's Edge Environmental Education Center in St. Michael's 1889 Park.
'I think it's a great opportunity because it's environmental science education,' said Jackie Ritko, the district's resource conservation supervisor.
'I feel like a lot of the science at the schools is more focused on physics and chemistry, which is all important, but environmental science isn't emphasized so much. It's a great way for the kids to learn about the natural environment, to get some natural-resource education.
'You never know, it could spark interests in kids. Maybe they'll go on to have a career or at least think about the environment in their life as an adult and a voter. I hope that's what this does.'
Jan Landis volunteered time during the event as part of her studies in the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist program.
'Helping the students is like trying to assist the future,' Landis said. 'So what is more important than that?'
She said being with the students 'brings you back down to your planet, your Earth, your neighbor, the person you're talking to. The kids are the future. It grounds you, makes you not only feel better about yourself, but the world around you.'
The Northern Cambria team of Taylor Davis, Lillian Statler, Sophi Williams, Emma Neff and Elle Karlheim won the Envirothon.
Bishop Carroll, Blacklick Valley, Central Cambria, Conemaugh Valley, Penn Cambria and Portage Area high schools also sent teams.
'We learned how to use your knowledge in the real world instead of just like in a school,' said Molly Itle, a Bishop Carroll student.
Her Bishop Carroll teammate Lilyann Strait added: 'I really wanted to come out here today because I just love being in nature, and I thought it would be a great learning experience to kind of look and see if maybe I want to do something like this in my career.'
Kilian Johnson, from Central Cambria, said the Envirothon is connected to his future plans, which include studying fishery science.
'It's nice getting out, being able to learn about nature,' Johnson said. 'I was interested because it's related to what I'm going to college for, so it interests me to be out here, learn something new, being able to experience it.'
