Envirothon Practice Day
Envirothon Practice 2025 at Salt Springs State Park. Students from local Susquehanna County school districts visited in the fall for a hands-on practice day focused on aquatics, forestry, wildlife, soils, and the current issue.
|
Envirothon Competition!
Envirothon Competition, 2025, at Elk Mountain Ski Resort. Students from local Susquehanna County School Districts tested on the topics of aquatics, forestry, wildlife, soils, and a current event. The Envirothon Competition is held each spring.
|
Envirothon Education Materials
We offer educational materials tailored for schools, homeschool groups, scouting organizations, and more.
Aquatics Kit:
Macro Lenses (5)
Digital microscope (1)
Macro dichotomous key books (6)
Insect lifecycle flashcards (1 pack)
Hellbender model (1)
Brook trout model (1)
|
Forestry Kit:
Tree ID Binder.
Cruiser Biltmore Stick.
Hardwood Samples.
Finish work wood samples.
Clinometers (5)
Doyle Biltmore sticks (5)
|
Soils Kit:
Soil profile charts.
Soil Samples (3)
|
Wildlife Kit:
Pelts.
Skat.
Tracks:
Raccoon,
Muskrat,
Mink,
Grey fox,
Squirrel,
Skunk,
Opossum,
Bobcat,
Red fox,
White tail deer,
Beaver,
Coyote.
Track cards.
Student guides.
|
Eels in the Classroom
|
|
|
American eels are native to Pennsylvania and were once one of the most abundant fish species in the Susquehanna River. They are a vital species to the river’s ecosystem. They have a unique life cycle. They spawn in saltwater, travel upstream into freshwater to mature, then migrate back downstream into saltwater to reproduce and live out the remainder of their lives. In the early 20th century, several large hydroelectric dams were constructed on the river, which in turn blocked this migration. Recently, natural resource agencies have been working with dam operators to reintroduce eels to the watershed. The SCCD has partnered with the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) to do just that with their Eels in the Classroom (EIC) program! Juvenile eel stocking plays a major role in restoring the eel population, with over 1.5 million stocked in the Susquehanna watershed since 2005. SCCD receives juvenile eels, called elvers, in early fall, raises them over the winter, and releases them in early spring into a nearby tributary of the Susquehanna River. Click the link below to learn more about the work being done to restore American eel populations in the Susquehanna River!
SRBC American Eels in the Susquehanna
SRBC American Eels in the Susquehanna
Bridgewater Interpretive Trail
The Bridgewater Interpretive Trail is located right here at the Susquehanna County Conservation District. Enjoy a 1/4 mile walk on the paved walkway, through the pollinator garden, live stake nursery, moss garden, and the tributary to Pettis Creek.
|
The pollinator garden in bloom.
|
The following organizations can provide information and resources regarding wildlife and wildlife habitat. Explore these links to learn more about what you can do to become a good steward of our natural resources. Other links are available from our list of Partners.
- American Forests
- Bat Conservation International
- Ducks Unlimited
- Izaak Walton League of America
- National Audubon Society
- National Geographic Society
- National Wildlife Federation
- The Nature Conservancy
- North American Association for Environmental Education
- Water Environment Federation
- World Wildlife Fund
- Tree Conservation
Natural Symbols of Pennsylvania
|
|
Bird: Ruffed Grouse
(Bonasa Umbellus)
|
Amphibian: Hellbender
(Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis)
|
Insect: Firefly (Lampyridae)
|
Pollution Solutions
Start by practicing these water quality tips:
- Non-point Source Pollution is water pollution that comes from sources which cannot be easily pinpointed. Some sources are: air pollution, agricultural operations, construction, waste disposal and resource extraction. Individuals can make a difference. Even if you don't live next to a stream your actions can help prevent water pollution.
Start by practicing these water quality tips:
- Use Water Wisely: Use dishwashers and washing machines only when they are fully loaded.
- Use Household Products Properly: Many products around the home can create water pollution if they are not used carefully and disposed of properly. Use the least toxic products possible. Never pour paints or solvents down the drain.
- Care for Your Lawn: Landscaping with grasses, trees, and shrubs helps prevent water pollution. Plants control soil erosion and use nutrients that could otherwise enter streams. Follow directions when using fertilizers -- more is not always better.
- Practice Sensible Pest Management: Not all bugs are bad. Some insects help eliminate unwanted pests. Many insects are beneficial pollinators. Always follow directions when using pesticides and be especially careful near water and animals. In order to help protect beneficial insects, reduce or eliminate the use of insecticides and never apply when flowers are blooming. Many herbicides also kill aquatic species when runoff reaches streams or bodies of water. Fungicides kill not only parasitic fungal species but also beneficial fungi in the soil that plants depend upon. Never apply pesticides without first knowing your target pest species and considering potential unintended exposure.
- Control Runoff and Soil Erosion: Concrete sidewalks, streets, and driveways are unable to absorb rainfall. Runoff carries motor oil, fertilizers, and soil into storm drains and creeks. Reduce runoff by diverting downspouts onto grassed areas and using materials such as wood, bricks, or interlocking stones for patios and walkways. Control soil erosion by reseeding and mulching bare spots.
- Use Car Products Wisely: Motor oil, antifreeze and battery acid can create water pollution. Whenever possible recycle car products. Wash your car on the grass so water and detergents are absorbed.
- Reduce Emissions and Save Energy: Nitrogen oxides are emitted by burning fossil fuels. Car pool, and consolidate several small errands into one large trip. Turn off lights and lower the thermostat. Properly insulate your home.
