The Central Regional Envirothon site rotates between Soil & Water Conservation Districts in three counties every three years. This year's event is being hosted by the Piscataquis County SWCD.

Students from Bangor, Carrabec, Central, Foxcroft Academy, Matanawcook, Nokomis and Old Town high schools will be tested by natural resource professionals at five subject stations; invasive species, wildlife, aquatics, forestry and soils science. Judges volunteering their time for this hands-on, outdoor competition come from a number of natural resource-based agencies in addition to conservation districts, including the Department of Environmental Protection, Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Maine Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

"Everyone has been fantastic," said Executive Director Sheila Grant.

"The Piscataquis Valley Snowmobile Club is letting us use their facility, and the Town of Dover-Foxcroft not only owns the land but is using their equipment to dig the soils pits. Tom Spencer, of Spencer's Catering, is going to run the kitchen for us and provide fresh cinnamon buns for the kids' arrival."

In fact, an event this size requires many willing hearts and hands, Grant said. Great Northern Paper, Pleasant River Lumber and UnitedKingfield Bank of Dover-Foxcroft helped sponsor the event. Snacks, drinks and lunch for 150 people were accomplished with the help of Country Kitchen and La Bree's bakeries, Frito Lay, Michaud Distributors, Pepsi Bottling Group, Oakhurst Dairy, Grave's Shop n Save, Herring Bros. Meats, and local massage therapist Jean Larrabee.

WDME Radio plans to be on hand with a live remote to keep classmates and family members tuned in to the event. Envirothon meets the criteria of the Maine Learning Results. Students who participate and then go on to the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture at UMO are considered for a $2,000 scholarship.

Winning teams will receive trophies for their school, created by local artist Shirley Drew, and commemorative medallions for each team member. They will go on to compete in the state finals on May 30 in Littleton. State winners will represent Maine at the 2002 Canon National Envirothon July 29 through August 4 at Hampshire College in Andover, MA.