Community Service Projects

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Community Service Projects

The Utah Envirothon Steering Committee would like to encourage all competing Envirothon teams to voluntarily participate in and document a community service component related to the current issue.

This activity is optional and will not add points to teams overall scores. It is very valuable, however, in applying the knowledge gained to help solve natural resource problems in your local community.

The service learning project should utilize all team members and relate to the current issue, managing cultural landscapes.

Some possible community service projects:

— Learn about natural resource management in your community by talking to city planners, zoning officers, environmental department staff, soil conservation districts, county Extension offices, and other conservation minded people or organizations. What environmental issues are of primary concern to your community? What are possible solutions? What efforts are currently under way?

— Volunteer to assist with a conservation project such as riparian plantings or water quality assessments with professional conservationists who are working directly with community concerns.

— Provide community outreach in elementary and high schools. Through camps and classes, you can introduce others to the issues regarding natural resource concerns.

— Work with organizations - youth groups, professional societies, or civic groups - to sponsor environmental education campaigns, community conservation and erosion control projects.

— Assist in your local conservation district or USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office. They may want to use your talents for clerical assistance, organizing information in a computer, preparing newsletters, or educating others about natural resource conservation.

Document your service with a camera and a short written summary of your project to share at the state competition in May. Time will be provided for a "share fair" activity Friday evening. If you have any questions, or ideas to share, please e-mail Heather Johnson at heather.johnson@ut.nacdnet.net or call at 801-263-3204, ext. 12.